Number 20 jersey Diogo Jota (1996-2025): A Footballing Light Extinguished Too Soon
Number 20 jersey The football world stands united in profound grief following the tragic death of Portuguese international and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, aged 28. He perished alongside his brother, André Silva (26), in a car accident during the early hours of July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain. Jota was en route to join Liverpool’s pre-season training after minor surgery prevented him from flying.
1: The Tragic Incident
Traveling from Penafiel to Santander to catch a ferry to England, their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to leave the road. Jota had just completed a Premier League-winning season with Liverpool, contributing crucially to the club’s 20th top-flight title. His final goal—a Merseyside Derby winner in April 2025—epitomized his legacy: skillful, decisive, and adored by the Kop.
2: Liverpool’s Eternal Tribute
Liverpool announced the immortalization of Jota’s No. 20 jersey, ensuring no future player will wear it. The club’s statement highlighted:
> “The No. 20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title winners… with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop a poignant last goal.”.
Manager Arne Slot mourned, “We will remember him as a unique human being… His name is Diogo.”.
3: Jersey Worn by Diogo Jota – A Career in Numbers
Throughout his career, Jota’s jersey symbolized his journey:
– Pacos de Ferreira: Early career numbers (specific not listed, academy/youth progression).
– FC Porto (Loan): No. 18 jersey or No. 19 jersey – Key development phase (2016).
– Wolverhampton Wanderers: No. 18/19 (2017–2020) – Scored 44 goals, establishing Premier League prowess.
– Liverpool FC (2020–2025): No. 20 – Iconic status. 182 appearances, 65 goals, 26 assists, winning FA Cup, League Cup, and Premier League.
– Portugal National Team: UEFA Nations League winner (2019, 2025).
4: Global Outpouring & Legacy
– Fans’ Demand: Supporters worldwide campaigned for No. 20 retirement, citing poetic significance: “Arrived in 20’. Wore the 20. Won number 20. Retire the shirt.”.
– Football Unity: Rivals like Manchester City joined calls; tributes flowed from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamie Carragher, and former clubs Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolves.
– Historical Context: Rare in English football—precedents include West Ham retiring Bobby Moore’s No. 6 and Man City honoring Marc-Vivien Foé.
5: Beyond the Pitch
Jota was recalled as a “quiet, humble, real family man” (Jamie Carragher). His chant—“Oh, he wears the number 20, He will take us to victory…”—will echo eternally at Anfield.