In football, shirt numbers aren’t just digits — they’re part of a player’s identity. Think Thierry Henry’s No.14 at Arsenal or Steven Gerrard’s No.8 at Liverpool are — those numbers mean something. They carry history, emotion, and legacy. But here’s the thing: unlike American sports where retiring jerseys is almost expected, the Premier League has never really fully embraced the idea. That is, until now.

The tragic passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre in mid-2025 sent shockwaves through the footballing world. In a move rarely seen in English football, Liverpool Football Club made the heartfelt decision to retire the No.20 shirt across all levels — men’s, women’s, and academy — in memory of the Portuguese attacker who had become a fan favourite at Anfield.

Why Diogo Jota’s No.20 Was Retired

Jota, known for his relentless pressing, versatility, and knack for scoring vital goals, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title triumph. His sudden passing left a void not just in the squad, but in the hearts of millions.

Liverpool’s decision to retire the No.20 shirt serves as a poignant reminder of his impact, both on and off the pitch. The club confirmed the move as part of a broader initiative to honour Jota’s legacy, which also includes a Hillsborough-style flame tribute incorporated into both of their 2025/26 kits.

 Liverpool announced their intention to honour Diogo Jota’s legacy by retiring the No.20 shirt, paying tribute to the beloved forward who was instrumental in their Premier League title triumph in the 2024/2025 season.

The club plans to retire the number at all levels, including the academy and the women’s team.

A statement from Liverpool said: ‘After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy.

‘The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.’

This deeply emotional tribute has sparked renewed conversation about retired jersey numbers in the Premier League, a gesture often reserved for the most extraordinary circumstances.

Rare But Powerful: Other Retired Shirt Numbers in the Premier League

While the practice isn’t widespread in English football, there have been a few notable exceptions where clubs have broken tradition:

1. West Ham United – No.6 (Bobby Moore)

Arguably the most famous retired number in English football. West Ham permanently retired the No.6 shirt in honour of Bobby Moore, England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain and club legend. Moore made over 500 appearances for the Hammers and remains a towering figure in football history.

2. Manchester City – No.23 (Marc-Vivien Foé)

Before the likes of Fernandinho and Rodri became Manchester City’s midfield generals, that role once belonged to Marc-Vivien Foé. The Cameroonian international joined City on loan for the 2002/03 season, and despite being a defensive midfielder, he chipped in with a remarkable nine goals in 35 appearances — not bad at all for a player whose main job was to break up play.

But Foé’s story took a heartbreaking turn. In June 2003, while representing Cameroon in the Confederations Cup, tragedy struck. During the semi-final against Colombia, Foé collapsed on the pitch in the 72nd minute. Medics rushed in and tried to revive him, but despite 45 minutes of effort, he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the stadium’s medical centre. An autopsy later confirmed a heart condition was the cause.

City were devastated. Then-manager Kevin Keegan made an emotional decision — Foé’s No.23 shirt would never be worn again. It was the ultimate mark of respect. A small memorial was also created at Maine Road, the club’s former ground, with tributes in the players’ tunnel and garden area — a quiet but lasting reminder of a player whose life and career ended far too soon.

3. Birmingham City – No.22 (Jude Bellingham)

Jude Bellingham — now one of the best midfielders on the planet and running the show at Real Madrid. But before the bright lights of La Liga, Jude was just a ridiculously gifted teenager tearing it up in the Championship with his boyhood club, Birmingham City.

His time at St Andrew’s was short, but unforgettable. Even as a teenager, Bellingham had the kind of composure, vision, and leadership that made people sit up and take notice. He wasn’t just exciting — he looked ready. Scouts from all over Europe were queuing up: Liverpool, United, you name it — everyone wanted a piece of him.

Eventually, it was Borussia Dortmund who won the race in 2020, giving him the perfect platform to develop. And in a move that raised a few eyebrows at the time, Birmingham made the bold call to retire his No.22 shirt. That’s right — even though Jude had played fewer than 50 league games, the club felt he was that special. Critics called it premature, but looking at his meteoric rise, that decision already looks like a masterstroke. And if he leads England to silverware soon? It’ll look like genius.

4. Liverpool – Now No.20 (Diogo Jota)

The most recent addition to this solemn list. Jota’s legacy is now cemented at Anfield, where his number will never be worn again, marking one of the Premier League’s rare jersey retirements driven by tragedy.

Others who have had their numbers retired include; Dylan Tombides (West Ham United)Shirt number: 38,Mark Philo (Wycombe Wanderers)Shirt number: 14,Matija Sarkic (Millwall)Shirt number: 20,Dale Roberts (Rushden & Diamonds)Shirt number: 1,Ray Jones (Queens Park Rangers)Shirt number: 31,Richard Butcher (Macclesfield Town)Shirt number: 21,Michael Maidens (Hartlepool United)Shirt number: 25,Jack Lester (Chesterfield)Shirt number: 14,Billy Kee (Accrington Stanley) Shirt number: 29

The tribute to Diogo Jota may signal a slow shift in Premier League culture. As clubs place greater emphasis on mental health, emotional connection, and legacy-building, retiring shirt numbers could become a more accepted — and respected — form of commemoration.

Fans and pundits alike have praised Liverpool’s gesture as a class act, fitting for a player who embodied the club’s values. While Premier League rules may still discourage the practice, the Jota case proves that in exceptional moments, tradition can — and should — evolve.

Retiring a jersey number in the Premier League is rare, symbolic, and often emotionally charged. Diogo Jota’s No.20 now joins a very short list of shirts that will never be worn again, standing as a permanent tribute to a player gone too soon. As football continues to balance its rich traditions with human stories, these acts of remembrance may become part of a new legacy — one defined not just by trophies, but by heart.