Introduction
Diogo Jota’s time at Liverpool left fans with unforgettable memories. His goals, pressing style, and ability to deliver in big moments turned him into a fan favourite almost instantly. However, beyond the statistics, supporters connected with him through something deeper—his shirt number and the famous chant dedicated to him.
This article explores the emotional meaning of the Liverpool number 20, the song fans sang for him, and the insights from Transfermarkt that underline his career. In addition, we’ll look at how the club decided to retire his number forever, cementing his place in Anfield history.
1. The Chant: “Oh, He Wears the Number 20!”
Every great player at Liverpool seems to earn their own anthem, and Jota was no exception. Supporters created a chant that quickly became a staple inside Anfield:
“Oh, he wears the number 20,
He will take us to victory,
And when he’s running down the left wing,
He’ll cut inside and score for LFC.
He’s a lad from Portugal,
Better than Figo don’t you know,
Oh, his name is Diogo!”
The lyrics, adapted from a famous River Plate tune, perfectly captured his role in the team. Unlike many chants that focus only on skill, this one highlighted his nationality, linking him with Portuguese legend Luís Figo. For Liverpool fans, singing “better than Figo” became both a tribute and a cheeky boast about their star forward.
Furthermore, the rhythm of the chant created a unifying energy. It echoed across stadiums in Europe, reminding opponents that Jota was not only respected but also adored.
2. What Number Did Diogo Jota Wear at Liverpool?
When Jota joined Liverpool in 2020, he selected the number 20 jersey. He kept this shirt throughout his entire time at the club. According to Transfermarkt, the Portuguese forward consistently wore number 20 during his Liverpool career.
Before his Anfield days, Jota had used different numbers, including 18 at Wolves. Yet it was the number 20 that became iconic. Fans immediately linked the digit to his impact on the pitch, and over time, it became a symbol of his identity within the team.
Importantly, the number was not just about personal choice. It came to embody his playing style—dynamic, versatile, and unpredictable.
3. Transfermarkt Profile Highlights
Transfermarkt provides a detailed record of Jota’s career, showing how his numbers back up the fan adoration.
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Birth date: 4 December 1996 (Porto, Portugal)
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Liverpool stats: 182 appearances, 65 goals
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Shirt number: 20 at Liverpool, 18 at Wolves
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Career span at Anfield: 2020–2025
These statistics highlight why he was seen as one of Jürgen Klopp’s most reliable attackers. Transitioning from Wolves to Liverpool could have been daunting, but Jota embraced the challenge. His immediate impact proved he wasn’t just another squad player; he was a game-changer.
Moreover, Transfermarkt also shows his value rise during his career. From being a promising youngster at Atlético Madrid and Wolves, his market worth peaked at Liverpool, underlining his world-class status.
4. Retirement of the Number 20
In July 2025, Liverpool announced something unprecedented: the retirement of Jota’s number 20 jersey across all levels of the club. This included the senior men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
Such a move had never happened before in Liverpool’s history. The decision reflected not only his contribution on the field but also the deep emotional connection he forged with fans and teammates. The club consulted Jota’s family before finalising the retirement, ensuring the act was a true tribute.
By retiring the number, Liverpool effectively declared that no player would ever wear “20” again. Instead, it now belongs to Jota’s legacy, forever remembered in the stands of Anfield.
5. Emotional Tributes Across Football
The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes across the footballing world.
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Liverpool’s fans and teammates created mosaics reading “DJ20” and wore commemorative armbands.
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The club’s foundation redirected profits from special “Diogo J. 20” shirts to grassroots programmes, ensuring his name would support future generations of footballers.
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Chelsea players, in a surprising gesture, donated a portion of their Club World Cup bonuses to Jota’s family.
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His boyhood club, Gondomar SC, released a kit honouring both Jota and his brother, featuring infinity symbols as a sign of eternal memory.
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James Milner, one of his closest teammates, described wearing Jota’s number for Brighton as “a great honour.”
These tributes went beyond words. They reflected how Jota’s influence stretched across teams, nations, and rivalries. Diogo Jota number 20.
6. Why the Number 20 Matters
Numbers in football are rarely random. For strikers, numbers like 9 and 10 usually carry prestige. Yet Jota made the number 20 his own.
This number symbolised his versatility. He wasn’t a traditional striker nor just a winger; he was a modern forward who could adapt to any system. The fans, recognising his importance, attached chants and memories to the number. Over time, “20” became shorthand for Jota himself.
Consequently, when Liverpool retired the jersey, the number turned into an eternal emblem. It now represents resilience, creativity, and unforgettable football moments. Diogo Jota number 20.
7. Transfermarkt Career Reflection
Looking deeper into Transfermarkt data reveals the journey behind the legend:
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At Wolves, he showed promise with consistent performances.
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Moving to Liverpool raised his profile instantly, and his stats skyrocketed.
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By the 2021–22 season, he had already become one of the club’s top scorers.
His market value reflected these achievements. Rising from under €10 million during his Wolves days, his worth peaked above €60 million at Liverpool. These figures underline not just raw talent but also steady growth and adaptability.
8. Final Reflection
Diogo Jota’s story at Liverpool is not just about goals or trophies. It’s about how one number, one chant, and one player could inspire thousands. From the stands at Anfield to data charts on Transfermarkt, his legacy is etched everywhere.
The retirement of the number 20 ensures that his presence will never fade. Fans will keep singing his song, and the footballing world will keep remembering him as more than a player—he became a symbol of Liverpool’s heart. Diogo Jota number 20.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Diogo Jota song Liverpool fans sing?
Supporters sing: “Oh, he wears the number 20, He will take us to victory…”—a chant celebrating his impact and Portuguese roots.
Q2: What number did Diogo Jota wear at Liverpool?
He wore the number 20 jersey throughout his Liverpool career.
Q3: Has Liverpool retired Diogo Jota’s number?
Yes, the number 20 was permanently retired in 2025, across all club levels.
Q4: What do Transfermarkt stats say about Jota?
Transfermarkt records show 182 appearances, 65 goals, and a peak market value above €60 million during his Liverpool tenure.
Q5: Why is the number 20 so iconic for Jota?
It represents his unique role as a versatile forward, the chants fans created for him, and the legacy Liverpool immortalised by retiring it.
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