The sudden death of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in a road crash late on Thursday night has left supporters devastated, with growing calls emerging for his squad number 20 shirt to be retired as tributes pour in following the heartbreaking incident.
Liverpool FC has announced that their player wearing jersey number 20 will be “justifiably honored forever” for the contributions he’s made to the club since joining in 2020.
"Number 20 will deservedly go down in history for his role in Liverpool’s 2024–25 championship-winning team—the club’s twentieth league triumph—with his iconic dance celebration and decisive shot against Everton at Anfield in April, which turned out to be the final goal of his career," stated the club in a tribute posted on their official site on Thursday night.
The small-statured Portuguese motoring legend was killed in an accident along Spain’s A-52 motorway close to Sanabria, within Zamora Province, when one of the tyres on his Lamborghini burst during an overtake maneuver.
According to officials and news outlets, Jota's car swerved from the roadway and burst into flames.
According to officials, Jota's teammate in the crash was his older sibling André Silva—who plays professional soccer for former second-tier outfit Penafiel—and both lost their lives in the collision.
Recent reports indicate that the two brothers were heading to Santander to board a ferry bound for England. There, Jota was set to reunite with his squad for pre-season preparations, as doctors had recommended against air travel due to recent lung surgery.
Played with jersey number 20, secured victory for us as number 20
After learning of Jota’s passing, Liverpool FC released a short statement expressing their devastation at the sad loss of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool FC will not be issuing any additional statements for now and asks that the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s loved ones, including their families, friends, fellow players, and team personnel, be honored as they process an unfathomable tragedy.
"We will continue to provide them with our full support," the statement concluded.
At the same time, supporters of Liverpool have come together outside the team's home ground, Anfield stadium, placing floral tributes and scarves as a heartfelt gesture for Jota.
Fans have also turned to social media urging Liverpool FC to retire his number 20 jersey, viewing it as a meaningful symbol reflecting his immense value to the team.
"Football is the most unimportant thing right now, but I hope Liverpool retire number 20," user Maxi said on X.
"It would feel wrong for most supporters seeing anyone else wear it after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota - but mainly as a sign of respect and gratitude for everything he did and who he was."
"Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020. He wore the number 20 shirt," another fan, Micky Jnr, said on the same platform. "And in the season Liverpool won their 20th league title, we lose him."
"Maybe… just maybe… the club should retire that number in his honour. Forever 20."
Since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Diogo Jota has netted 182 goals and provided an additional 65 assists, primarily playing as a left winger or in the role of a false nine.
The English Premier League giant, which won its 20th title this year, has not retired any shirt numbers in its 133-year history.
Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot wrote a poignant letter on Thursday, saying, "For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute."
“My initial reaction isn’t as a football coach. It’s from the perspective of a father, a son, a brother, and an uncle — part of the family of Diogo and Andre Silva, who’ve gone through a tragedy beyond comprehension,” Slot stated.
My message to them is absolutely straightforward — you'll never face things on your own. The team, the coaching staff, and the fans of Liverpool FC stand behind you completely, and based on what I've witnessed here today, this sense of unity clearly extends to the broader football community as well.
“Diogo wasn’t only part of our squad — he was someone we deeply cared for,” stated Slot in an official message shared through the club’s online platform. “He stood alongside us as both a fellow worker and professional partner; indeed, his presence touched every role uniquely.”
Jota's ex-manager at Liverpool, German coach Jürgen Klopp, shared his shock over the news of Jota's death via an Instagram post.
"This is a moment where I struggle," Klopp said. "There must be a bigger purpose (...) But I can't see it."
"I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André."
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father," Klopp recalled. "We will miss you so much."
Diogo Jota is survived by his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, who became his wife just over a week before on June 22nd, as well as their three kids.