Diogo Jota's number 20 retired by Liverpool across all levels of football

Liverpool has retired the number 20 jersey worn by Diogo Jota following his death in a car crash last week.

The 28-year-old died along with his brother and fellow Portugal footballer Andre Silva near the north-western city of Zamora, Spain.

On Friday, Liverpool said his number would be retired across all levels of the club, including the women's team and academy.

"It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process — and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club's number 20," the Premier League club said in a statement.

Jota had just completed the most successful season of his career — helping Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title and winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

In total, he played 182 games for Liverpool and scored 65 goals, while winning the FA Cup and English League Cup along with the Premier League.

Liverpool said it made the decision after consulting with Jota's family.

A mural honouring Jota near Anfield has been marked with countless messages from fans. (AP: Peter Byrne/PA)

"As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters and we felt exactly the same way," said Michael Edwards, chief executive of football for Liverpool owner Fenway Sports.

"I believe this is the first time in Liverpool 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."

Players from Liverpool and Portugal joined family and friends for the funeral of Jota and his brother last weekend.

Floral tributes were laid outside the club's Anfield stadium as part of an outpouring of grief following his death.

The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.

AP

Click here to read article