- Liverpool retired Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey following the tragic demise of the Portuguese player.
- Jota played an instrumental role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League triumph.
- Besides Jota’s No. 20, there are several other jerseys that were immortalized in the past by Premier League clubs.
The football world received the sad news of the death of Liverpool player Diogo Jota on Thursday with shock.
Jota, who was a key member of the Liverpool squad that has won several titles in recent years, died alongside his brother Andre Silva after their car flew off the road following a tire burst and caught fire in Spain.
Many people, particularly footballers, who knew or played together with Jota, continue to send their messages of condolences to his family.
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Moreover, Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United, have also condoled with Jota’s family and the entire Liverpool FC fraternity.
In a poignant tribute to one of their heroes, the Liverpool FC management have officially retired Jota’s number 20 jersey.
According to the statement issued by the club, the decision was made due to the important role that the gifted player played in the club’s Premier League success last season.
“The No.20 will be rightly immortalized 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,” the statement read in part.
This heartfelt honor places Jota’s jersey among a select few in the rich history of the English Premier League.
Here are the three other Premier League jerseys that were immortalized in the past and the stories behind them.
Marc-Vivien Foé’s No. 23
Multiple Premier League champions Manchester City retired Marc-Vivien Foé’s number 23 jersey after he collapsed and died on the football pitch during a Confederations Cup clash against Colombia in 2003.
At the time of the tragedy, Marc-Vivien Foé was on loan at Manchester City from French side Olympique Lyonnais.
Bobby Moore’s No. 6
West Ham United immortalized Bobby Moore’s No. 6 jersey as a mark of respect for the immense contributions he brought to the club and his legendary status.
Dylan Tombides’ No. 38
West Ham United also retired Dylan Tombides’ No. 38 jersey to remember the player who courageously battled testicular cancer before passing away in 2014 at the age of 20.
Finally, Jota’s No. 20 and the other jerseys mentioned above will forever hold a special place in the heart of football supporters.
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