Liverpool supporters are making heartfelt appeals for the club to commemorate Diogo Jota in a special and unprecedented manner following the tragic passing of the beloved 28-year-old forward.
News broke on Thursday confirming that Jota and his brother, André, died in a devastating car accident during the early hours of the morning.
Initial reports suggest that the crash was caused by a tyre burst, which led their vehicle to veer off the road and crash fatally.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Tributes have been pouring in from former teammates, fellow professionals, clubs, and fans from around the globe.
While many have expressed their grief by laying flowers or sharing heartfelt messages on social media, there is now a growing movement among Liverpool fans calling for the club to take a lasting step to honour Jota’s memory.
Fans Urge Liverpool to Retire Shirt Number 20
Central to this campaign is the call for Liverpool to permanently retire the number 20 shirt that Jota famously wore.
The hashtag “#RetireThe20” has gained significant traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans voicing their support for the idea.
To many supporters, this number now represents more than just a kit—it symbolizes Jota’s contributions, character, and connection to the club and its history.
One fan poignantly remarked, “He wore number 20 while bringing home our 20th league title. There’s no better moment than now to retire it.”
Another added, “The number meant so much this season. Retiring it would be a powerful tribute.”
The sentiment is widely shared across the fanbase, with many believing that breaking tradition in this case is not only acceptable but necessary to honour Jota’s legacy.
Proposals for Further Tributes
In addition to retiring his shirt number, supporters have proposed other meaningful gestures. Some have suggested Liverpool fulfil the remainder of Jota’s contract financially in support of his surviving family.
Others have called for the creation of a permanent memorial at Anfield, a place where fans can pay their respects.
There are also calls for the team to wear black armbands throughout the upcoming season to keep Jota’s memory alive on the pitch.
A Legacy to Remember
During his time at Liverpool, Diogo Jota made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, becoming a fan favourite and a key figure in several important matches.
Fittingly, his final goal for the club came in a 1-0 win over rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby, which played a pivotal role in Liverpool clinching their 20th league title.
Now, in light of his untimely death, Liverpool supporters are pleading with the club to mark his legacy by retiring the number 20 shirt—a symbolic and emotional tribute that would cement his place in Anfield’shistory forever.
