In a poignant gesture of remembrance, Liverpool Football Club has paid tribute to its beloved forward, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier this month. The tribute was unveiled during a pre-season friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26, 2025, where Liverpool players donned kits featuring a specially designed badge honoring Jota. This is just one of several heartfelt actions the club has undertaken to preserve the memory of the Portuguese international.
A Special Badge: ‘Diogo J. 20 ❤️’
The badge, which read ‘Diogo J. 20 ❤️’, was prominently displayed on the chest of the players’ kits, positioned between the club crest and the Nike logo. The design included a heart symbol replacing the ‘0’ in the number 20, a touching nod to Jota’s iconic squad number. According to Footy Headlines, this badge served as a temporary tribute during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia and will also be featured in their upcoming match against Yokohama FM.
The badge is part of a broader effort by Liverpool to honor Jota’s legacy. Alongside the badge, the club announced that it would retire the No. 20 jersey across all levels, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams—a rare and significant decision in football. This ensures that Jota’s contributions and impact will remain a permanent part of Liverpool’s storied history.
Memorials Beyond the Pitch
Beyond the badge and kit retirement, Liverpool has planned multiple initiatives to celebrate Jota’s life and career. As reported by This Is Anfield, Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath before the match in Hong Kong, while fans in the stadium created a mosaic reading ‘DJ 20’ in his honor. Before the first Premier League game of the 2025/26 season on August 15, a minute’s silence and a floral tribute will take place, further cementing Jota’s legacy at the club.
Additionally, Liverpool has announced plans for a permanent memorial at Anfield. The memorial will incorporate items left by fans outside the stadium, including tributes to Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The sculpture will serve as a lasting reminder of the player’s contributions on and off the pitch.
Involving the Fans
Liverpool has also encouraged fans to participate in honoring Jota. Supporters can personalize their jerseys with ‘Diogo J. 20’ printed on the back, with all proceeds going to the LFC Foundation. This initiative not only allows fans to pay tribute but also supports charitable causes, reflecting the values Jota embodied during his time with the club.
While the special badge and tributes will not be available on the Adidas kits sold to the public, the club has ensured that players’ shirts and jackets throughout the 2025/26 season will feature a ‘Forever 20’ emblem. This emblem will act as a constant reminder of Jota’s enduring presence within the team.
The Legacy of Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite due to his dynamic playing style, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals. His contributions were instrumental in several key matches, and his work ethic and humility earned him widespread respect both within the club and beyond. His untimely passing has left a void in the football world, but Liverpool’s tributes ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Through heartfelt gestures and enduring memorials, Liverpool has shown that Diogo Jota will forever remain an integral part of the club’s history and its global community of fans.