Liverpool announced an eternal farewell. The jersey number 20 of DIO Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident, will be permanently retired, marking the first time in the club's history.
The British 'BBC' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Jota died in a car accident on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain early in the morning of the 3rd. His brother, Andre Silva, also lost his life."
According to local police investigations, the Lamborghini vehicle driven by Jota lost control while overtaking another vehicle due to a tire blowout, and subsequently caught fire. Jota and his passenger, Andre, were unable to escape before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.
The more heartbreaking aspect is that this accident occurred on the way back to a newly formed family. Just ten days prior, Jota had married his long-term partner, Ruth Cardoso, in Porto and was starting a new life as the father of three children. After attending a friend's wedding in Spain, he chose to travel by car and ferry instead of flight to return to Liverpool. This was due to his doctor's advice to avoid flying after recent lung surgery. On that journey, Jota could not escape his fate.
The Liverpool club stated in an official statement that "Jota was a player who brought us victory, as the fans sang. His final season ended spectacularly with Premier League and UEFA Nations League trophies," adding, "To honor his symbolism and dedication, which contributed to the team’s 20th league title in the 2024-2025 season, we have decided to permanently retire the jersey number 20."
Jota joined Liverpool after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, and he scored 65 goals in 182 matches, raising the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup trophies. Notably, the goal he scored in the Merseyside derby last April remains recorded as his final goal in life. Just before the end of the match, he celebrated in front of fans packed in Anfield, a moment that has now become a lasting symbol.
The club has set up a memorial space at Anfield for fans to say their final farewells and has opened a page for online condolences. In front of the Hillsborough disaster memorial, Jota's jersey, bouquets, letters, and scarves were placed, and even Manchester United and Everton fans joined in the mourning procession.
After conveying the sad news about Jota, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said, "It's an indescribable shock. Jota was not just a player. He was a special presence for all of us, and his death will remain in our hearts for a long time." He added, "In time, we will sing his goals, his name, and his songs again. Until then, we will not forget and remember him."
Meanwhile, Portugal national team colleague Cristiano Ronaldo also took to social media, saying, "We were together just a few days ago, and he had just gotten married... I cannot believe it," and expressed condolences to his wife, children, and family, stating, "DIO and Andre will be forever missed."
Liverpool has lost a legend. However, the name of Jota will forever live on with the goals he left behind, the jersey number 20, and in the hearts of the fans.
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