Jude Bellingham, Diego Maradona… and Bobby Moore: Seven Times a Club’s Shirt Number Was Retired – as Liverpool Fans Call for Diogo Jota Tribute
The tradition of retiring shirt numbers in football is a rare but powerful tribute, reserved for those whose impact transcends the pitch. As Liverpool fans mourn the sudden and tragic death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, calls to retire his No. 20 shirt have grown louder—and the club has now confirmed it will never be worn again.
Jota’s story is uniquely emotional. Joining Liverpool in 2020, he quickly endeared himself to fans with his tireless work rate, big-game goals, and humble demeanor. Wearing the No. 20 jersey, he was instrumental in Liverpool’s historic 20th league title win. That numerical alignment—20, 2020, 20th title—has made the number particularly symbolic. Following his untimely death in a car crash on July 3, 2025, supporters launched petitions and tributes, urging the club to “immortalise” his shirt number.
Liverpool responded swiftly. The club officially retired the No. 20, joining an exclusive list of teams who have taken this deeply respectful step.
Among them is West Ham United, who retired Bobby Moore’s No. 6 in honor of the 1966 World Cup-winning captain. Manchester City did the same with Marc‑Vivien Foe’s No. 23 after his tragic on-field death during the 2003 Confederations Cup. These actions, like Liverpool’s, came from both grief and admiration.
Globally, some of football’s most iconic figures have also had their numbers retired. Napoli retired Diego Maradona’s No. 10 following his death in 2020. Ajax removed Johan Cruyff’s No. 14, and AC Milan put aside Paolo Maldini’s No. 3, with the condition it may be worn only by his sons if they play for the club. Racing Club in Argentina similarly retired No. 14 for club legend Omar Corbatta.
The decision to retire a number isn’t taken lightly—it permanently links a shirt to a player’s legacy. For Liverpool, retiring Jota’s No. 20 ensures that every time his name is mentioned, the number echoes with pride and heartbreak.
Fans from across the football world have united in grief. Thousands have visited Anfield to lay flowers and scarves. At Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, Liverpool players carried a red wreath and stood beside his family. Messages of condolence have come from rivals, legends, and global stars alike.
In immortalising his shirt, Liverpool has given Diogo Jota a tribute few receive: a place not just in the club’s history, but in its heart forever.
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