Following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain, Liverpool Football Club has announced that Jota's number 20 shirt will be "immortalized". The decision follows an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, who flooded social media platforms with messages calling for the club to retire the number in his honor.
Jota, 28, and his brother died in the early hours of Thursday in Cernadilla, in the northwestern Zamora province. According to reports, the car they were traveling in veered off a motorway and burst into flames. Civil Guard stated that a tire blowout while overtaking was the likely cause. Angel Blanco, the central government's representative in Zamora, told reporters the car "was burned out, and they died inside".
Liverpool's decision to immortalize the number 20 is a testament to Jota's significant contribution to the club, particularly during the 2024-25 season, where the Reds secured their 20th league title. The club released a heartfelt statement, части которой reads: "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". This goal against Everton now stands as the final goal of Jota's career.
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and quickly became a fan favorite. During his time at Anfield, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals. Known for his versatility, dedication, and relentless effort on the pitch, Jota established himself as a key player for Liverpool.
The decision to immortalize Jota's shirt reflects the deep respect and affection the club and its fans hold for him. It will also ensure that Jota remains an integral part of Liverpool's history. While the club has announced the number 20 will be "immortalized", it is unconfirmed whether the number will be retired. It is possible that the number 20 will not be assigned to any other player for the foreseeable future.
Jota's connection with the number 20 held particular significance. He joined Liverpool in 2020, won his 20th domestic league title and wore the number on his back while becoming a fan favorite.
The news of Jota's passing has sent shockwaves through the football world. Tributes have poured in from fellow players, managers, and fans alike. UEFA held a moment of silence to honor Jota and his brother. Former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, reacted to the death of Diogo Jota, saying he was heartbroken. Mohamed Salah also cut short his holiday and returned to England early after Jota's tragic death.
