Liverpool Retires Number 20 Shirt to Honour Late Star Diogo Jota After Fatal Car Crash

Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire the number 20 shirt in tribute to forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva.

The decision, made after consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, means the Portuguese international will “forever be Liverpool’s number 20.” The club confirmed the number will be retired at all levels, including the women’s team and academy sides.

In an official statement, Liverpool said the gesture not only reflects Jota’s significant on-field contributions since joining from Wolves in 2020 but also honours the lasting bonds he created with teammates, staff, and fans.

Jota made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and playing a key role in multiple trophy wins. He helped Liverpool claim the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, another League Cup title in 2024, and most recently, their 20th top-flight league title in the 2024/25 season. The club marked his legacy with a poignant social media video at 20:20 BST on Friday, captioned “Forever our number 20.”

Michael Edwards, Chief Executive of Football for Fenway Sports Group, said:

“This is the first time in the club’s history such an honour has been given to an individual. Retiring his shirt number is our way of making his legacy eternal. We involved Rute and the family from the start—it was essential they were at the heart of this decision.”

Jota, 28, and his brother were killed in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, after their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. He was travelling back to Liverpool for pre-season by car and ferry, following medical advice not to fly due to recent minor surgery.

Their funeral took place last Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, with a large Liverpool delegation present.

On Friday, Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, who had married the player just 11 days before the crash, visited Anfield with their three children to view the memorials left by fans. She was accompanied by Liverpool players, manager Arne Slot, and other staff as they paid their respects.

Liverpool will return to action on Sunday in a pre-season match against Preston North End at Deepdale. A minute’s silence and other tributes are planned to honour both Diogo Jota and André Silva.