The sudden and tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota has sent shockwaves through the football world — but now, the Anfield faithful are calling for something unprecedented: permanently retiring his iconic No. 20 jersey.
The demand, which started as a small thread on social media, has exploded into a full-blown movement with thousands of signatures, viral hashtags, and even public demonstrations outside Anfield.
A Legacy in Just a Few Seasons
Jota may not have spent a decade at Liverpool, but fans say his impact was nothing short of legendary.
“You could see the fire in his eyes every time he wore that shirt,” one lifelong fan told reporters.
“No. 20 isn’t just a number now — it’s Jota’s spirit.”
From his clutch goals to his fearless style of play, supporters believe that letting another player wear No. 20 would feel like “erasing his soul from the pitch.”
The Emotional Debate
Not everyone agrees. Some analysts argue that retiring numbers should be reserved for once-in-a-generation legends — but Liverpool fans aren’t having it.
“Jota’s story is about more than stats. It’s about heart, tragedy, and what he gave to this club in such a short time,” wrote one passionate supporter.
Others point out that in football, unlike basketball, shirt retirements are rare and symbolic, making the gesture even more powerful if Liverpool decides to do it.
The Club’s Silence Speaks Volumes
As of now, Liverpool FC has not made any official statement, leaving supporters to wonder:
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Will they honor the fans’ wishes?
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Or will the No. 20 shirt be handed to a new player, risking outrage and backlash?
The club’s social media channels have been flooded with pleas:
#Retire20ForJota
#ForeverOurNo20
What’s Next?
If Liverpool does retire the shirt, it would mark one of the most emotional and historic moves in Premier League history. For fans, it’s not about tradition — it’s about immortalizing the man who wore the No. 20 with pride.
And until a decision is made, one thing is certain: Every Liverpool match will feel like a silent vigil for Diogo Jota.