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The death of Diogo Jota left the entire football world stunned and speechless. His death is considered as one of the most troubled times in Liverpool’s history. Notably, Diogo Jota died in a tragic car crash on July 3 with his brother Andre Silva, near the northwestern city of Zamora, Spain. In total, Jota played 182 games for Liverpool and scored 65 goals, while winning the FA Cup and English League Cup along with the Premier League title.
As Liverpool will return to the pitch for the first time since his death on Sunday, July 13 in a match against Championship side Preston in a pre-season friendly, in a move to honour his legacy, Liverpool announced that they have retired the No. 20 shirt worn by Diogo Jota following his fatal accident.
On Friday, July 11, Liverpool confirmed that after consultation with his wife Rute and family, his number would be retired across all levels of the club, including the women teams and academy. “It was a number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club’s number 20,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
Diogo Jota completed most successful season of his career
The club’s statement further said, “I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal and therefore can never be forgotten.” Diogo Jota had just completed the most successful season of his career, helping Liverpool to a record equaling 20th English League title and winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
Players from Liverpool and Portugal joined the family and friends of Jota and his brother last weekend. Floral tributes were laid outside the club’s Anfield Stadium as part of an outpouring of grief following his death. Reportedly, in the club’s upcoming game a minute silence will be observed and players from both the teams will wear black armbands in a unified show of respect for the former Liverpool star.
