Softfootball can confirm that Liverpool have made a commitment that they will retire Diogo Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt in honour of the forward, following his tragic death alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident last week.
According to the Independent, Liverpool described the gesture as
“a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person,”
marking the first time in the club’s history that a squad number will be permanently withdrawn from use across all levels, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
“It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process, and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool’s number 20,”
the club said.
The decision was made after consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family and will serve as a lasting symbol of the Portuguese forward’s impact both on and off the pitch since arriving at Anfield in 2020. Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s CEO of Football Operations, explained the 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.
“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.”
Jota made 145 appearances for Liverpool and played a key role in several trophy-winning campaigns, including the club’s domestic cup double in 2022. His No. 20 shirt has become synonymous with his relentless pressing, big-game goals, and connection with the Anfield crowd.
Tributes will also be held at Anfield on Sunday, ahead of Liverpool’s first match since Jota’s passing. The club is expected to honour both Diogo and his brother André Silva with a pre-match ceremony and further moments of reflection during the game.
Recall that Softfootball had earlier reported Liverpool’s long-term commitment to the late Jota, ensuring his family continues to receive his salary over the next two years. In the statement, Liverpool confirmed that Jota’s wages would be transferred directly to his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three children to ensure continued financial stability.
Beyond the salary commitment, the club also announced the creation of a Special Support Fund. The fund will be dedicated to covering the long-term needs of Jota’s children, including housing, education, and healthcare. It will be managed transparently, with input from the family’s representatives to guarantee its effectiveness and integrity.
