Liverpool supporters are urging the club to honour Diogo Jota following his tragic death at the age of 28. It was confirmed on Thursday that Jota and his younger brother André lost their lives in a car accident during the early hours, after a tyre on their vehicle reportedly blew out, causing it to veer off the road and crash.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Clubs, former teammates, and fans alike have shared heartfelt tributes, expressing disbelief and sympathy for the family. From floral tributes outside Anfield to messages flooding social media, the outpouring of grief has been immense.
Among the calls for remembrance, a strong fan-led campaign has emerged urging Liverpool to retire Jota’s iconic shirt number, 20—a gesture the club has never done in its history. The hashtag #RetireThe20 began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands supporting the idea as a meaningful way to honour the forward’s legacy.
Jota had worn the No. 20 shirt since joining Liverpool, and it became closely associated with his identity both at club and international level.
One fan wrote, “Wearing No. 20 while winning No. 20. Retire the number—there’s no better time.” Another added, “It’s a small but powerful gesture of respect. Let no one wear the 20 again.”
Others have gone further, suggesting the club pay out the rest of Jota’s contract to his widow, hold a permanent memorial at Anfield, and wear black armbands throughout the next season as a tribute.
While Liverpool have never retired a shirt number before, many now feel this tragedy warrants a historic exception.
