Liverpool have permanently retired their No 20 shirt in memory of Diogo Jota.
The club took the decision after consultation this week with Jota’s wife Rute and other family members.
The retirement of the No 20 shirt applies to the club at all levels, including men’s, women’s and academy teams.
Liverpool regard it as a reflection not only of the immense contribution the Portugal international made to the club as a player during his five years on Merseyside, but also the personal impact he had on his team-mates, club staff and supporters.
It’s the first time such an honour has been bestowed on a player in the club’s history.
Jota and brother Andre Silva, a professional player for Portuguese side Penafiel, died on July 3 after being involved in a car crash in Zamora, Spain.
The funeral of Jota, 28, was held in Gondomar, Portugal on Saturday July 5.
Forever our number 20… ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SKrbd8CMgE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2025
Earlier on Friday, Liverpool’s players and staff visited the vast array of tributes outside Anfield to pay their respects, alongside members of the brothers’ family.
Jota’s squad number, 20, matched the club’s historic number of titles which was secured in 2024-25, equaling the English club record of Manchester United.
Jota had not worn 20 at his previous clubs; the Portugal international wore No 18 for his three seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the same number he had worn at Pacos de Ferreira and been assigned at Atletico Madrid, while he wore No 19 during his one season on loan at Porto.
Prior to Jota’s arrival at Anfield, the player most synonymous with the No 20 shirt was Javier Mascherano, who was assigned the number for each of his five seasons at the club between 2006-07 and 2010-11.
Jota took the shirt as he joined Anfield the same summer it was vacated by Adam Lallana, who had worn the shirt since his arrival from Southampton in 2014.
Prior to Lallana’s time at Liverpool, players including Aly Cissokho, Jay Spearing, Scott Carson, Anthony Le Tallec, Nick Barmby and Stig Inge Bjornebye had all worn the number for the club.
A touching and fitting gesture
Liverpool’s No 20 shirt will forever belong to Diogo Jota.
Anfield officials had made it clear they would liaise with the Portugal international’s family before deciding how best to pay tribute to their much-loved attacker.
And they received their blessing for what is an unprecedented gesture in memory of a Liverpool player who touched the hearts of millions around the world, not just with his talent with a ball at his feet but with his humble, kind and genuine personality.
There’s been a sense of shock and heartbreak for everyone associated with the club over the past eight days.
The blanket of love and grief outside Anfield has continued to expand with shirts, scarves, flowers, hats, flags, banners, and even PlayStation controllers left in memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
They have been a source of comfort for family and friends during the darkest of times.
Among the tributes written on a Liverpool shirt, one reads: ‘He signed in 2020, he wore the No 20, and he won us No 20. Forever a Red.’
Diogo Jota will never be forgotten at Anfield. His achievements will always be cherished and retiring his shirt number is part of that.
(Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
