Liverpool Retires No. 20 Jersey to Honour Diogo Jota’s Legacy

English football giant Liverpool has officially announced that it will retire the number 20 Jersey worn by Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain. The club confirmed that no player will ever wear the No. 20 jersey again at Anfield, as a lasting tribute to Jota’s legacy.

Liverpool stated that the decision was made to honour Jota’s vital role in the club’s 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign — their 20th league crown. He was remembered not just as a key player, but as someone who left a lasting impression on and off the pitch.

Jota’s final goal came in a deeply emotional Merseyside Derby at Anfield, when he scored in front of the iconic Kop stand. That moment, now etched in the memories of fans, turned out to be his last professional goal.

The 28-year-old and his younger brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva — also a footballer — died in a tragic car crash in northwestern Spain. The news sent shockwaves through the global football community, with tributes pouring in from players, clubs, and fans around the world.

From Gondomar to Greatness

Diogo Jota’s journey began in the Portuguese town of Gondomar. He rose through the ranks at Paços de Ferreira’s youth academy before earning a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016. He was later loaned to FC Porto, and eventually made his name with Wolverhampton Wanderers. His performances at Wolves earned him a move to Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup, League Cup, and most recently, the Premier League title.

He also played a key part in Portugal’s international success, helping the national team win the UEFA Nations League in both 2019 and 2025.

Notably, this marks the first time Liverpool has ever retired a shirt number in tribute to a player — a powerful gesture reflecting just how much Jota meant to the club and its supporters.