Friday marked one week since Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car accident. There is no getting around it, and though we have slowly made our way back to other news, the feeling of that loss has still hung heavy throughout everything and everyone here at TLO.
The loss is clearly still being felt and reckoned with at the club as well, as the men have returned to start their preseason training and preparations for the first match of the preseason on Sunday against Preston. Various players, both current and former, have stopped by Anfield to pay their respects at the ever growing memorial field of flowers, shirts, scarves, and gaming controllers. It has been a beautiful and heartrending sight to see.
Friday also saw the club host the families of Diogo and Andre at Anfield for the first time since the accident, and with it came the announcement that after much discussion with Diogo’s wife Rute and his family, the club will [retire](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Fdiogo-jota-forever-our-number-20&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2025%2F7%2F11%2F24465955%2Fliverpool-fc-officially-retire-number-20-diogo-jota-tragic-car-crash-death-spain-brother-andre-silva) his number 20 shirt across all arms including the Women’s team and Academy.
“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.
“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
“I believe this is the first time in [Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/) 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.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
A smaller, and still poignant distinction - the announcement was posted at 20:20pm GMT.
He will always wear the number 20.