Liverpool has decided to retire Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey following his tragic car accident on July 3rd, where he lost his life alongside his brother, Andre Silva. This move aims to honor the forward’s legacy.
In making this decision, the club took into account the wishes of Jota’s wife and family.
The resignation extends across all levels of the club, including LFC Women and the Academy.
The club expressed that this gesture pays tribute to Jota’s significant contributions on the pitch and his profound personal impact on teammates, colleagues, and fans.
Michael Edwards, the CEO of soccer at Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool, remarked, “We were all aware of how this would resonate with our supporters, and we shared those feelings.” He emphasized that this is a historic moment for Liverpool, marking the first time a player has been honored in this way.
He continued, “By retiring this number, we ensure that it remains forever in memory, so we will always remember him.”
The unfortunate accident took place near Zamora in northwestern Spain.
Jota’s contributions have clearly left a mark, and as fans continue to feel his absence, they have gathered at memorials to pay their respects.
During a recent tribute, crowds gathered to the memorial wall dedicated to him and Silva, reflecting the lasting impact they had on their community.
Last week, Jota and Silva, both of whom played professionally, had a joint funeral in Portugal attended by hundreds, including friends, family, and former teammates.
Liverpool’s next match is set for Sunday, and it will serve as a remembrance of Jota and Silva. The game will feature a performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kickoff, along with a minute of silence, and players from both teams will wear black armbands.
The statement from Liverpool highlighted the depth of feeling surrounding Jota’s legacy, noting, “His influence continues to resonate among teammates, colleagues, and supporters.” He was much more than just a skilled player; he was genuinely a remarkable person.
