After Diogo Jota’s tragic passing on July 3, 2025, Liverpool FC retired his number 20 shirt across all teams — men’s, women’s, and academy. The announcement came on July 11 as a tribute to his jersey number. It’s the first time in the club’s history a squad number has been retired, showing how much Jota meant to the Liverpool family.
The Guardian claims that Jota’s wife and family were consulted before the decision was made. At a preseason game, fans paid tribute to him with a heartfelt rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and a minute of silence.
On social media Diogo Jota tribute also generated a lot of sorrow and love, honoring the legacy he leaves behind.
[UPDATE] A Farewell Like No Other
In a moment that moved the footballing world, Liverpool FC has made an emotional and historic decision—the club has retired Diogo Jota’s number 20 jersey. This Diogo Jota tribute isn’t just for the men’s first team. It spans across every part of the club: the women’s team and the entire academy system.
In Liverpool’s long and brilliant history, this is the first time a shirt number has been retired.
Fans and the football community were shocked by Jota’s unexpected death in a terrible car accident in Spain, alongside with his brother André Silva. He was only 28. However, Liverpool has decided to help preserve his memory forever rather than allowing it to fade with time. Club CEO Michael Edwards called it a “unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person” — and it’s hard to disagree.
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[WHAT’S HAPPENING] You’ll Never Walk Alone, Jota
In their first pre-season match against Preston North End, Liverpool made sure Jota and his brother were honored the right way. There was a moving minute of silence before kickoff. Armbands were black for the players. There was a bouquet of flowers. Around the stadium, the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which now has even more meaning, echoed.
There was more to it than a formality. The issue was personal. Liverpool discussed Jota’s wife and family before making a decision. What was the result? The history of the club is profoundly influenced by this legacy.
This public and heartfelt moment was another powerful Diogo Jota tribute — one that fans in the stands and viewers at home will never forget.
[TRENDING] The Internet Reacts With Love and Grief
Soon after the announcement, social media was flooded with heartfelt messages. Fans from around the world posted old photos, videos, and memories of Jota — many with the caption, “Forever our number 20.”
“Liverpool FC will retire the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in honour and memory of Diogo Jota”, Liverpool FC posted.
Liverpool FC will retire the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in honour and memory of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2025
Another user commented in a post, “Number 20’s gone but never forgotten. Jota’s spirit lives on!”
Number 20’s gone but never forgotten. Jota’s spirit lives on!
— Takwene (@Takwene) July 12, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Take
Football is about individuals who make us feel good, not only about goals and trophies. Those players included Diogo Jota. Without wanting the limelight, he worked hard, played with humble influence, and won the affection of his supporters.
It is sad to lose him. However, Liverpool’s decision to retire his number 20 demonstrates something more significant. It’s about honoring someone who was important not just as a player but also as a person.
We are reminded of why football is so dear to our hearts by this tribute to Diogo Jota. We remember the moments, the emotions, and the people.
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