Following the death of sad demise of Portuguese star Diogo Jota, Liverpool have decided to now retire the number 20 shirt in honor of him. The Reds took the decision after consulting with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and his family which means the Portugal international “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20.”
A Liverpool statement said the number “will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels”, including the women’s team and throughout the academy. The statement also reads: “The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.”
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. He also helped them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 – also winning the latter in 2024 – and the Premier League title last season.
Speaking about the decision, Fenway Sports Group chief executive of football Michael Edwards said: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.”
He also said: “It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.” “I believe this is the first time in Liverpool’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”
