In a historic and emotional decision, Liverpool FC has officially announced that it will retire the number 20 shirt in honor of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away last week in a car accident. This marks the first time the Reds have ever retired a squad number, setting a precedent in both the club’s and English football’s history.

Official: Liverpool immortalizes Diogo Jota by retiring his number

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed that the decision was made after consultation with the player's family, including his wife. The number 20 will no longer be used at any level of the club—neither by the first team, the women’s squad, nor in the academy. “By retiring it, we make him eternal. We will never forget him,” said Michael Edwards, CEO of FSG, the investment group that owns the club.

The statement highlighted not only Jota’s football achievements during his five years at Anfield but also the deep emotional legacy he left behind. “This decision recognizes not only this Portuguese boy’s contribution to the team’s success on the pitch over the past five years, but also the deep personal impact he had on teammates and fans, and the connections he forged with them,” the statement read.

This move places Diogo Jota among a very exclusive group of footballers honored in such a way in the Premier League. Similar tributes include Bobby Moore, the West Ham legend whose number 6 was retired in 2008, and Cameroonian midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé, who died during a Confederations Cup match in 2003. In his memory, Manchester City retired the number 23.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton, quickly won the hearts of fans through his commitment, goals, and team spirit. His sudden passing has left a void that will be hard to fill, but his memory will live on forever in every corner of Anfield.

The football world has lost a brilliant talent, but Liverpool has made it clear that his legacy will never fade: the number 20 will now stand as a symbol of respect, love, and eternal gratitude.