July 13 – Premier League Champions, Liverpool have made the decision to retire the number 20 shirt in perpetuity, ensuring Diogo Jota’s memory will be woven into the fabric of Anfield forever.
The club took the unprecedented step after consulting with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and his family, meaning the Portugal international “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20” following his tragic death alongside brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3.
The retirement extends across all levels of the club – from the first team to the women’s side and throughout the academy structure. It’s a gesture that speaks to the profound impact Jota had during his four years on Merseyside, transcending mere statistics to touch the lives of everyone he encountered.
“The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them,” Liverpool said in a statement.
Jota’s journey from Wolves to Liverpool in 2020 proved to be one of the most successful transfers in recent memory. His 65 goals in 182 appearances tell only part of the story – this was a player who embraced the Liverpool way from day one, contributing to FA Cup and League Cup triumphs in 2022, another League Cup success in 2024, and last season’s Premier League title.
The 27-year-old possessed that rare combination of technical brilliance and unwavering work ethic that made him the perfect fit for Jürgen Klopp’s system. His ability to ghost into dangerous positions, allied with clinical finishing and tireless pressing, made him indispensable to Liverpool’s recent success.
Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, emphasised the historical significance of the decision: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way. 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.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool’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.”
The circumstances surrounding Jota’s death only amplify the tragedy. Returning to Liverpool for pre-season training by car and ferry – doctors had advised against flying following minor surgery – he and his brother were involved in a fatal crash when their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking near Gondomar.
The funeral in their hometown last Saturday saw a large Liverpool delegation pay their respects, underlining the deep bonds forged during Jota’s time at the club.
It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave everything to Liverpool – and who will now be remembered forever.
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