Fans have called for the retirement of Liverpool’s number 20 shirt, worn by Diogo Jota, after the Portuguese forward died in a car accident.
Jota, 28, died alongside his brother and fellow professional footballer, Andre Silva.
The pair were involved in a car accident in the Zamora province of Spain, with Jota’s club Liverpool confirming the tragic news.
In a statement, the club said: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
The club have been informed 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, teammates 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.”
Fans Lead Calls For Jota Shirt Retirement
Following the horrendous news, tributes have poured in for Diogo Jota.
On top of this, fans have been calling on Liverpool to retire the number 20 shirt worn by Jota.
#LFC should retire Diogo Jota's Number 20 shirt. #YNWA pic.twitter.com/jdhqSqKMID
— Matthew 🌍🎭🎞📚⚽🌈🐈 (@LeftyHumanist) July 3, 2025
Liverpool retiring the no.20 shirt would be a fitting tribute to Diogo Jota. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/r8xcv4xK4u
— AndyJFT97 🔴⚪️ (@Andybrawn6) July 3, 2025
Arrived in 20’. Wore the 20. Won number 20.
Retire the shirt.
Rest In Peace Diogo Jota 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/MmwWt7yb8S
— Marcus Bonser (@MBonser98) July 3, 2025
And it isn’t just Liverpool supporters who have suggested Jota’s shirt number should be retired.
This Manchester City fan joined in with calls for the Reds to retire that jersey.
Liverpool Football Club, as a Manchester City fan, I would request you to retire the #20 shirt in the honour of Diogo Jota. It's truly a black day for world football. pic.twitter.com/gTgezTkAih
— CitySide (@CitehSide) July 3, 2025
Why Do Sports Teams Retire A Number?
Retiring a jersey number is a mark of respect seen in many sports across the world.
Done to pay tribute to a player’s legacy, impact and contribution to a team, retiring a number is a symbolic gesture.
It helps to ensure a number remains forever associated with a given player.
There are a number of reasons a team may retire a number.
Often, a number may be retired if it belonged to a player who made a particularly large impact with a team, in order to preserve their legacy.
JERSEY OFFICIALLY RETIRED.
THANK YOU ANDRE!!!! pic.twitter.com/2hzuZ23uQY
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) February 24, 2025
But it can also happen in the case of a player’s untimely death, such as the heartbreaking passing of Diogo Jota.
The tradition is a long-established one in North American sports.
Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees have famously retired 21 different numbers relating to past players.
Another baseball player, Jackie Robinson, had the rare honour of seeing his iconic number 42 jersey retired across the entire league.
English Football Teams That Have Retired Jersey Numbers
In English football, retiring a number is not common. But there have been some notable examples over the years.
West Ham United retired their number six jersey in tribute to Sir Bobby Moore.
England’s World Cup-winning captain in 1966, Moore played for West Ham from 1958-74.
More recently, Birmingham City retired the number 22, worn by Jude Bellingham.
The Blues academy graduate has gone on to play for Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
To date, there have been 12 recorded instances of professional English clubs retiring a number.
