Liverpool have officially retired the No. 20 shirt in an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota following the forward’s tragic death on July 3. The 28-year-old died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in the Spanish province of Zamora just 11 days after he married long-term partner Rute Cardoso.
Jota, who was a father of three, and Silva were overtaking another vehicle when their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout before catching fire. Tributes have poured in for both footballers in the week that followed the tragic accident, and Liverpool will now pay the ultimate respect to their eternal No. 20.
On Friday, Arne Slot’s squad and staff visited the poignant memorial site outside of Anfield with members of Jota’s family, including his wife.
Liverpool have now confirmed the decision to retire the No. 20 shirt across all levels, including their women’s and academy sides, in the Portugal international’s honour.
“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football, said in a statement.
“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
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“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
Liverpool’s leadership team – Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon – collectively added: “The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.
“His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20.
“Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and Andre.”