Liverpool Football Club has taken the unprecedented step of permanently retiring ITS number 20 shirt as a tribute to Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward tragically lost his life in a car accident last week.
This marks the first time in the club's history that a shirt number has been retired. The decision affects not only the men's first team but extends to the women's squad and all academy levels.
The announcement was deliberately made at 8.20pm on Friday evening, a symbolic gesture reflecting the shirt number worn by the 28-year-old striker during his time at Anfield.
The tragic incident occurred in north-western Spain, where both Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car crash.
Liverpool have retired Diogo Jota's shirt number
Getty
Supporters had been calling for the retirement of the number 20 shirt since news of the deaths emerged.
The tribute represents an acknowledgement of how deeply valued the Portugal international was at Anfield, with the club choosing this permanent gesture to honour his memory.
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The club made the decision following consultation with Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, and his parents, Isabel and Joaquim. The family travelled to Merseyside on Friday to witness the tributes that supporters had left outside Anfield.
Their visit marked the first public appearance by Jota's family since the tragic accident occurred. The timing allowed them to see firsthand the outpouring of affection from Liverpool supporters who had gathered at the stadium.
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Tributes have been place around Anfield for days
PAThe consultation process ensured the family's wishes were central to the club's historic decision to retire the shirt number permanently.
The entire Liverpool squad accompanied Jota's family to the stadium, providing support during their emotional visit. This collective gesture from the players demonstrated the close bonds within the team and their respect for their late teammate.
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The permanent retirement of the number 20 shirt serves as a lasting tribute to Jota's contributions to Liverpool. The decision reflects not only his abilities on the pitch but also his character and the relationships he built at the club.
Liverpool have never retired a shirt before Diogo Jota
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This historic move ensures that Jota's legacy will be remembered at Anfield for generations to come, with no player at any level of the club ever wearing the number 20 again.