"Rest in peace, legend. Retire Jota's shirt. And never stop chanting his name," one of hundreds of posts suggesting Liverpool retire the number 20 jersey wrote. This particular post received over 10,000 likes.
In a tribute to Jota, Liverpool stated that "Jota's number 20 will be immortalized" for his contributions to Liverpool's 2024-2025 Premier League title win, the club's 20th English league championship.
"His final goal, a trademark spin and finish at Anfield to secure a derby win against Everton in April, becomes even more poignant," the tribute read. It is currently unclear whether Liverpool will retire Jota's number 20 shirt.
Jota played for Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Wolves before joining Liverpool in 2020 for 58 million USD. During his 5 years at Anfield, the Portuguese forward wore the number 20 shirt, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists in 182 appearances. He won 5 titles with Liverpool, including the 2024-2025 Premier League, the 2022 FA Cup, and the League Cup in 2022 and 2024.
Jota and his younger brother, Andre da Silva, were involved in an accident on a bend on the A-52 highway in Cernadilla, Zamora province, western Spain, on 3/7/2025. Their car suffered a tire blowout, causing it to lose control, roll over several times, and catch fire. Rescue and medical personnel were immediately dispatched, but both brothers died at the scene.
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The scene of the car accident that killed Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother in Zamora, northwestern Spain, on 3/7/2025. Photo: AP |
The scene of the car accident that killed Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother in Zamora, northwestern Spain, on 3/7/2025. Photo: AP
On Instagram, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wrote a heartfelt message for his former player. "This is a moment I truly don't know what to do! There has to be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it," he wrote. "My heart is broken hearing about Jota and his brother. Jota was not just a great player but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss him terribly. All my prayers, thoughts, and strength go to Rute, his children, family, friends, and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace, Diogo. I will always love you."
Compiled by Hong Duy
