Liverpool to immortalise Diogo Jota's number 20 shirt
Liverpool FC has confirmed they will "immortalise" Diogo Jota's number 20 shirt, a decision spurred by overwhelming fan demand and his significant contributions to the club, including their 20th league title. The move comes as the football world continues to mourn the tragic passing of Jota, 28, and his brother André in a fiery car crash in Spain.
Following the devastating news of Portugal and Liverpool FC winger Diogo Jota's tragic passing in a car accident, a wave of grief and calls from fans to retire his number 20 jersey swept across social media. In response to this outpouring of emotion and respect, Liverpool FC has announced that Diogo Jota's number 20 shirt will be "rightly immortalised" in recognition of his profound impact since his arrival in 2020.
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The club, in a heartfelt homage on its website, stated that "The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life." This decision marks a significant gesture, as Liverpool FC has never retired a shirt number in its 133-year history.
Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died when their Lamborghini veered off the Spanish A-52 highway and caught fire, reportedly after a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The brothers were on their way to catch a ferry to England, where Jota was due to rejoin his team for pre-season training, having been advised against air travel after lung surgery.
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Liverpool fans have gathered outside Anfield stadium, laying flowers and scarves in tribute. On social media, supporters widely demanded the retirement of the number 20 shirt as a symbolic act of respect and gratitude. As one fan aptly put it, "Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020. He wore the number 20 shirt. And in the season Liverpool won their 20th league title, we lose him. Maybe… just maybe… the club should retire that number in his honour. Forever 20."
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Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot conveyed the club's profound shock, stating in a poignant letter, "My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss." He added, "My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone." Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp also expressed his heartbreak, calling Jota "not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father."
Since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Diogo Jota scored 182 goals and provided 65 assists, becoming a crucial player for Liverpool. He won the Premier League title with the Reds last season and was also part of the FA Cup and League Cup-winning teams in 2021-22. He is survived by his wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he married less than two weeks ago, and their three children. The "immortalisation" of his number 20 shirt stands as a testament to his impact and the deep affection felt for him by the club and its global fanbase.
