Liverpool fans call for gesture club has never made after Diogo Jota's death
Liverpool fans have appealed for the club to retire the number 20 shirt as a mark of respect to the late Diogo Jota. The football world is in a state of mourning after the Reds and Portugal striker, 28, along with his brother Andre Silva, 26, died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Spanish authorities said the siblings were found dead after their car went off a road near the city of Zamora. Police suspect the crash was caused by a tire blowout. Liverpool said the club had been left 'devastated' by the news, calling it an 'unimaginable loss'. The Portuguese Football Federation said: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.'
Jota scored six goals in 26 appearances as Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League title. It was the Reds' 20th English top-flight crown, with Jota coincidentally wearing the number 20 shirt.
In light of the devastating news, some Liverpool fans have taken to social media to urge the club to retire that shirt number as a mark of respect, a gesture the club has never previously made. One supporter said: 'Diogo Jota won Liverpool's 20th title, while wearing #20. Retire the number.'
Another poignantly added: 'Football is the most unimportant thing right now, but I hope Liverpool retire number 20. It would feel wrong for most supporters seeing anyone else wear it after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota - but mainly as a sign of respect and gratitude for everything he did and who he was.'
A third agreed: 'The only comfort I can think of is Diogo Jota had probably the best month or so of his life winning the Premier League with Liverpool, Nations League with Portugal and had a wonderful wedding with his wife and kids before he tragically passed away. Will always be a legend and our lad from Portugal. @LFC need to retire the No.20 shirt though in his honour.'
Another fan concurred, adding: 'Would love for the club to retire the number 20 jersey in respect to Diogo Jota.'
A fifth posted: 'This is heartbreaking, a player who I think a lot of us took for granted at points due to injuries but is someone who gave us some unbelievable moments! Number 20 should be retired, RIP Diogo and Andre.'
Liverpool issued the following statement after Jota's death was confirmed: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
'The club have been informed that the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
'Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.'
The Portuguese national team said in a statement: 'Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.'
Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal on June 22, just 11 days before his fatal accident. The couple had three children together.
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