- This decision carries deep personal significance, as Jota donned the No. 20 jersey throughout his Liverpool career and played a crucial role in the club's memorable 2024–25 Premier League championship win, which marked their 20th league title overall.
- Liverpool expressed that this action seeks to "immortalise" his legacy, ensuring that his name and number continue to be part of Anfield's history forever.
Liverpool Football Club has decided to officially retire the No. 20 jersey in a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on July 3, 2025.
The cherished Portuguese forward passed away alongside his brother, leaving the football community and beyond in profound grief. In a meaningful act, the club declared that the No. 20 shirt will forever remain unused by any player, serving as a lasting tribute to Jota's influence both on and off the field.
This decision carries deep personal significance, as Jota donned the No. 20 jersey throughout his Liverpool career and played a crucial role in the club's memorable 2024–25 Premier League championship win, which marked their 20th league title overall.
The deep connection between the number he wore and the title he helped capture adds further weight to this gesture. Liverpool expressed that this action seeks to "immortalise" his legacy, ensuring that his name and number continue to be part of Anfield's history forever.
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Since he arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota has established himself as a vital component of Liverpool's offence. Over five seasons, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for the Reds.
Noteworthy moments from his career include a hat-trick in the Champions League against Atalanta and a dramatic last-minute winner against Everton, which ultimately became his final appearance for the club.
On the international stage, he has been a key player for the Portuguese national team, earning 49 caps and most recently contributing to Portugal's success in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. His career was characterised not only by victories and goals but also by his steadfast dedication to the team.
The heartbreaking news of Jota's passing has left beloved fans, players, and the worldwide football community in mourning.
At Anfield, tributes began pouring in—scarves, flowers, and heartfelt notes adorned the stadium entrance, while fans gathered spontaneously to sing his iconic chant: "Oh! He wears the number 20, he will take us to victory…"
Even fans of rival teams joined in the mourning, showcasing the widespread respect Jota earned through his character and sportsmanship.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot led the tributes from the club, characterising Jota as a "truly clutch figure" and "one of the fiercest competitors and kindest souls" to have worn the red jersey.
An outpouring of tributes has emerged across social media, with football legends and current players sharing similar sentiments, remembering Jota not just as an elite athlete but also as a beloved teammate and friend.
Retiring a jersey is a rare and poignant act in European football. For Liverpool, it highlights the significant impact Jota made on the club—his legacy is now permanently ingrained in the team's narrative.
Alongside the retired number, fans are eager for the establishment of memorials at Anfield in the upcoming weeks, which could include murals, matchday tributes, and charitable initiatives honouring his name.
As Liverpool prepares for a new season without one of its most cherished players, the club and its supporters stand united in grief, yet also in remembrance of a life that brought them happiness, accomplishments, and pride.
While Diogo Jota's number may no longer be visible on the pitch, his spirit will live through every cheer, every song, and every moment of triumph yet to come.
