In football, retiring a shirt number is a rare and powerful tribute—especially in England, where tradition often outweighs sentiment. Unlike in American sports, where this gesture is more common, only extraordinary circumstances lead clubs to make such a permanent decision.
From tragic losses to legendary contributions, here are 13 touching stories of English clubs that retired shirt numbers to honour those who left an unforgettable legacy.
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1️⃣ Jude Bellingham – Birmingham City (No. 22)
Before rising to global stardom with Real Madrid, Bellingham was a teenage prodigy at Birmingham. His short but electric stint saw the club retire his No. 22 shirt when he left for Borussia Dortmund in 2020—despite having played fewer than 50 games. A bold move, but one that reflected his impact and symbolised the belief that greatness had passed through their ranks.
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2️⃣ Billy Kee – Accrington Stanley (No. 29)
A goal machine and club legend, Kee scored 77 goals in over 200 games for Stanley. After stepping away from the game to battle mental health issues—including depression and bulimia—the club honoured his bravery and legacy by retiring his No. 29 shirt following his retirement in 2020.
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3️⃣ Jack Lester – Chesterfield (No. 14)
An icon for the Spireites, Lester netted 83 goals and captured the hearts of fans during his six-year spell. When he left in 2013, Chesterfield retired his No. 14 shirt, recognizing his immense contribution on and off the pitch. He even returned later to manage the club.
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4️⃣ Michael Maidens – Hartlepool United (No. 25)
The promising midfielder tragically passed away in a car crash at just 20 years old in 2007. Hartlepool retired his shirt and renamed their Goal of the Season award in his honour—a touching tribute to a life and career cut far too short.
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5️⃣ Richard Butcher – Macclesfield Town (No. 21)
Though his spell at Macclesfield was brief, Butcher made a lasting impression before his sudden passing in 2011. His number was retired to honour both his time at the club and his legacy in English football.
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6️⃣ Marc-Vivien Foé – Manchester City (No. 23)
Foé’s shocking collapse during an international match in 2003 stunned the football world. On loan at Man City at the time, the club responded by retiring his No. 23 shirt—an eternal tribute to a much-loved midfielder whose life was taken too soon.
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7️⃣ Ray Jones – QPR (No. 31)
A rising star at just 18, Jones was killed in a car accident in 2007. QPR retired his number and postponed matches to pay their respects. His loss remains one of the most heartbreaking chapters in the club’s modern history.
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8️⃣ Dale Roberts – Rushden & Diamonds (No. 1)
The goalkeeper was a pillar of strength on the pitch, but battled quietly with personal demons. After his tragic suicide in 2010, Rushden retired the No. 1 shirt and ensured his legacy would never be forgotten.
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9️⃣ Bobby Moore – West Ham United (No. 6)
England’s only World Cup-winning captain and West Ham legend, Moore is football royalty. His iconic No. 6 shirt was retired in 2008, 15 years after his passing, cementing his eternal status at the club and in the sport.
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🔟 Dylan Tombides – West Ham United (No. 38)
Diagnosed with cancer while rising through the ranks, Tombides fought bravely until his passing in 2014. The Hammers retired his number and continue to honour him with tributes and initiatives in his name.
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1️⃣1️⃣ Mark Philo – Wycombe Wanderers (No. 14)
Philo’s life ended tragically in a car accident at 21, following a promising career start at Wycombe. His number was immediately retired, with fans and teammates mourning the loss of one of their own.
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1️⃣2️⃣ Matija Sarkic – Millwall (No. 20)
The beloved goalkeeper passed away suddenly at 26 from heart failure in June 2025. Despite being with the club for less than a year, his impact was profound. Millwall retired his number and announced a mural and an annual award in his honour.
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1️⃣3️⃣ Diogo Jota – Liverpool (No. 20)
The football world was stunned when Jota and his brother lost their lives in a tragic accident, just weeks after his wedding and Liverpool’s Premier League title win. His No. 20 shirt—symbolic of both his signing year and Liverpool’s 20th league title—has been retired across all club levels, a powerful gesture of remembrance.
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These stories remind us that football is more than just a game. It’s about the people, their struggles, their triumphs, and the mark they leave behind. ⚽💔
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