Liverpool retire No 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota after forward’s death

Liverpool Football Club has permanently retired the number 20 shirt across all its teams (men's, women's, and academy levels) in honour of Diogo Jota. This decision follows the tragic death of the 28-year-old Portugal international and his brother, André Silva, in a car crash in north-western Spain last week.

This tribute marks the first time Liverpool has retired a shirt number in its history, reflecting Jota's immense value to the club as both a player and a person. The announcement was deliberately made at 20:20 BST on Friday, responding to calls from Liverpool fans.

The club made the decision after consulting with Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and his parents, Isabel and Joaquim. His family travelled to Merseyside on Friday to witness the tributes left outside Anfield and were accompanied to the stadium by the entire Liverpool squad in their first public appearance since the accident.

Jota's death occurred just 11 days after his marriage to his long-term partner, leaving behind three young children. He and his brother were driving to Santander to catch a ferry back to England for pre-season training, having been advised against flying due to a recent lung procedure.

Liverpool will play their first game since the accident at Preston on Sunday. Both clubs will pay tribute, including playing Liverpool's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" before kick-off, observing a minute's silence, and players wearing black armbands.