Liverpool will retire Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey after the 28-year-old forward died in a car crash July 3.
The club said the decision was made in consultation with his wife, Rute Cardoso, who married Jota 11 days before the tragic accident, and his family. The shirt number will be retired across all levels of the club, including the women’s team and throughout the academy.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honor has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person,” said Michael Edwards, chief executive of football for Liverpool’s ownership company, Fenway Sports Group.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”
Liverpool are set to honor Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who also died in the car crash in northern Spain, during their friendly at Preston North End on Sunday. The tributes include a special rendition of the club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and Preston players laying a wreath in front of the visiting supporters.
Cardoso visited Anfield with members of the brothers’ family Friday. She carried flowers and viewed the many tributes to her husband outside Liverpool’s stadium.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us (English league title) No. 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the No. 20,” Edwards added.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our No. 20.”