Liverpool Football Club have confirmed they will retire Diogo Jota’s No.20 shirt following the Portuguese forward’s tragic death in a car accident in Spain. The 28-year-old died alongside his brother while driving on a Spanish road late Wednesday night, leaving the football world in mourning.
The club released a statement on Thursday evening announcing the decision, describing the move as a tribute to Jota’s vital role in Liverpool’s historic 2024–25 Premier League title win—their 20th league crown.
View this post on Instagram
“Number 20 will be immortalised for his contributions as a member of the Liverpool squad that clinched the 2024–25 title,” the statement read. “His trademark dribbling and finishing in front of the Kop sealed victory in the Merseyside derby last April—a goal that would prove to be his last.”
The club’s decision to retire his shirt number is only the second time in its history that Liverpool have made such a gesture. The No.8 remains associated with Steven Gerrard, although never formally retired. This time, however, the club has made a permanent move, with the No.20 to be removed from the squad list from the 2025–26 season onwards.
Jota’s final strike came in a 2–0 win over Everton at Anfield, a match that became a decisive moment in Liverpool’s title charge. His calm footwork and clinical finish brought Anfield to its feet and has since become symbolic of the impact he had on the team.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world since the news broke. Clubs, teammates, managers and fans alike have shared their condolences, while Liverpool prepare a special memorial ceremony to be held at Anfield in the coming days.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his versatility, pressing intensity and knack for big-game goals. He scored 53 goals in 149 appearances for the Reds and was widely admired for his humility and professionalism.
The retirement of the No.20 shirt marks a rare gesture by Liverpool and reflects the depth of feeling surrounding his loss. It ensures that Jota’s memory will live on at Anfield, etched into the club’s history during one of its most successful modern campaigns.