Liverpool have confirmed that the number 20 shirt will be permanently retired in honour of Diogo Jota. The retirement applies to the club at all levels, including men’s first team, women’s team and all academy sides.

The tribute marks the first time Liverpool have retired a player’s number throughout their 133-year history, as they honour the lives of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The two brothers died following a grisly car crash in Spain on July 3.

Liverpool came to the decision after consulting with Jota’s wife, Rute, and other members of his family.

“The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them,” a statement from the club read in part.

Speaking on the decision the Club CEO Michael Edwards said “as a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.”

Edwards said It was vitally important to the club to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.

“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.” he said.

The CEO said Jota’s legacy will live on emphasizing ”by retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”

The Reds have also announced plans to pay tribute to them during Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Preston.

There will be a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ prior to the 3pm kick-off and Preston will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters, Liverpool said.

A minute’s silence will then be observed, with digital tributes displayed on the stadium big screen and on pitchside LED boards.

Players from both teams will wear black armbands.

The pre-match programme will also feature written tributes to Jota and Silva.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club.

He also helped them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 – also winning the latter in 2024 – and the Premier League title last season.