Liverpool retires number 20 shirt in memory of Diogo Jota

(Dan Tri) - Liverpool have officially confirmed that they will permanently retire the number 20 shirt in memory of striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident with his brother Andre Silva last week.

Jota has worn the number 20 shirt throughout his time at Anfield since moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. After consulting with his family, Liverpool announced that Jota's shirt number would be retired at all levels, including LFC Women's and Academy.

The move is in recognition of not only Jota's contributions on the pitch but also the personal impact he has made on those associated with the club during his five years on Merseyside.

Liverpool permanently retires number 20 shirt in memory of Diogo Jota (Photo: Getty).

Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners, said in a statement on July 11: "As a club, we are all acutely aware of the sentiments of our supporters and we feel the same. It was extremely important to us to involve Rute (Jota's wife) and his family in this decision, ensuring they were the first to know of our intentions."

Edwards stressed: "I believe this is the first time in the history of Liverpool Football Club that such an honour has been given to an individual. So we can say that this is a special tribute to a great man. By retiring this shirt number, we will make it permanent and therefore never be forgotten."

"Diogo joined us in 2020, he brought us the number 20 shirt (Liverpool's 20th Premier League title), and he wore the number 20 shirt with honour, respect and affection. For Liverpool, he will forever be our number 20," an emotional Edwards added.

Liverpool will play their first game since Jota's death - a friendly against Championship side Preston North End - tomorrow (13 July). The Premier League champions' first pre-season friendly of the summer could feature some of the first-team squad who were in training on 8 July. The original plan for pre-season training was delayed when many players attended Jota's funeral in Portugal last Saturday.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/liverpool-trêu-vinh-vien-ao-so-20-de-tuong-nho-diogo-jota-20250712081429886.htm