Liverpool Football Club, on Thursday, said Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey at Liverpool will be “immortalised” by the club in memory of the Portuguese forward who tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain.
In a statement, Liverpool said: “And what cruelly has proved to be his final flourish in football saw Jota become a Premier League champion and a UEFA Nations League winner.
“The No. 20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life,” the club announced in a tribute to its former player.
Tributes from all around the football community and otherwise have poured in for the Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, who also passed away in the accident.
Born in Porto, Jota started his playing career through Paços de Ferreira’s youth setup before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016, followed by a loan spell at Porto and a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
But it was at Liverpool that he had his best professional stint, winning the FA Cup and League Cup under manager Jurgen Klopp before being victorious in the Premier League under Arne Slot in the 2024/25 season.
He was also part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Liverpool has never retired a jersey number in tribute to a player before. Details of the tribute to Jota are unclear, but fans have called for the club to make an exception for the gifted late forward.
Tributes pour in for Diogo Jota
Here are some of the tributes for the 28-year-old Portuguese forward.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.” — club statement.
“It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.” — Cristiano Ronaldo.
“My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!” — Basketball legend and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James.
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.” — Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular, but there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, who will also be shocked by this.” — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.” — Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Diogo Jota won 49 senior caps and won the Nations League title twice, most recently last month.
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.” — Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers where Diogo Jota played from 2017-2020.
“Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.” — English Premier League.
“Porto are in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Rest in peace.” — Porto statement, Diogo Jota spent a season there on loan (2016/17) and Andre was a youth player.
“Atletico de Madrid are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former player of the club, and his brother Andre.” — statement from La Liga side where Diogo Jota played 2016-18.
