Liverpool were coming off the back of an impressive 2024-25 season in which they were crowned Premier League champions. Diogo Jota was also coming off the back of a very successful season, winning the UEFA Nations League in addition to the league and recently getting married. However, a tragic car accident claimed Diogo‘s life. Following this accident, the English side retired his No. 20 jersey, putting him on the short list along with other players in the league.
Retiring jerseys remains a rare honor in the Premier League, contrasting sharply with the NBA, where the practice is more common. However, they acknowledge their legends in other meaningful ways, such as induction into their prestigious Hall of Fame. This accolade confers legendary status on those who have significantly impacted the sport.
Jersey retirements in English soccer are reserved for exceptional circumstances. A notable example is Birmingham City, a club in EFL League One, which retired Jude Bellingham’s No. 22 jersey number. His transfer provided crucial help to steer the club away from the brink of bankruptcy. Another poignant instance is the posthumous tribute to Diogo Jota, showcasing the deep respect clubs hold for their players who have left an indelible mark.
“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. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten,” Fenway Sports Group (English side ownership) CEO of Soccer Michael Edwards stated.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool
Which other Premier League players had their jerseys retired?
Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey retirement marks another significant tribute in Premier League history. Yet, he is not the first player in England’s top soccer league to receive such an accolade. In the Premier League, two clubs, alongside Liverpool, have made this symbolic gesture.
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Manchester City were the first Premier League club to retire a jersey, honoring Marc-Vivien Foe by retiring his No. 23 after he tragically passed away during an international match in 2003. Foe played 38 games for City, scoring nine goals and leaving a lasting impression.
West Ham United followed suit by retiring the No. 6 jersey to commemorate Bobby Moore‘s legendary legacy. Although Moore passed away in February 1993, the club retired his jersey in August 2008 before a match against Villarreal CF. He etched his name in the club’s history by leading the team to victory in the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the English Super Cup.
Not only did West Ham decide to retire Bobby’s jersey, but they also chose to retire the No. 38 jersey in honor of Dylan Tombides, a promising young talent who died in April 2014 after battling cancer. Despite playing only one first-team match, the club recognized his courage and spirit, making him the last player before Jota to receive a posthumous tribute.
