11 English Football Clubs That Have Retired Shirt Numbers
When Birmingham City decided to retire the number 22 shirt in 2020 after Jude Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund, many fans and pundits were surprised. While few doubted Bellingham’s immense talent—now evident in his performances for Real Madrid—some felt it was premature to retire the number of a player who had only made 41 senior appearances for the club.
Birmingham, however, aren’t alone in retiring squad numbers. With the recent tragic death of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, supporters have begun calling for the club to honour him in the same way. Jota, who wore the number 20 shirt, was instrumental in helping Liverpool secure their 20th league title, scoring a memorable goal in the Merseyside derby just before his passing. Liverpool’s tribute hinted at a lasting legacy, though the specifics remain to be confirmed.
In light of this, here’s a look back at other English clubs who have retired shirt numbers—and the stories behind those decisions:
Jude Bellingham (Birmingham City) – No. 22
Before becoming one of the world’s top midfielders at Real Madrid, Bellingham was a teenage sensation at Birmingham City. Despite playing fewer than 50 games, his maturity and quality convinced the club to retire his shirt number after he left for Dortmund in 2020. Many questioned the move, but Bellingham’s rise has helped justify the decision—especially if he helps England claim a long-awaited major title.
Billy Kee (Accrington Stanley) – No. 29
Kee joined Accrington in 2015 and became a club legend, scoring 77 league goals across two spells. In 2020, he retired from football while battling depression, anxiety, and bulimia. As a tribute to his contribution and courage, the club retired his number 29 shirt.
Jack Lester (Chesterfield) – No. 14
Lester’s six years at Chesterfield made him a fan favourite thanks to his goals and leadership. He scored 83 league goals and later returned briefly as manager. When he left in 2013, the club honoured him by retiring his iconic number 14 shirt.
Michael Maidens (Hartlepool United) – No. 25
A promising midfielder, Maidens tragically died in a car crash at just 20. Hartlepool postponed matches in his honour and retired his number 25 shirt. They also renamed their Goal of the Season award after him, paying tribute to a player who had won it the previous year.
Richard Butcher (Macclesfield Town) – No. 21
Butcher’s time at Macclesfield was short but impactful. He passed away suddenly in January 2011, less than a year after the death of manager Keith Alexander, who had worked closely with him. The club retired his number 21 shirt in remembrance.
Marc-Vivien Foe (Manchester City) – No. 23
While on loan at Manchester City in 2002–03, Foe impressed with nine goals from midfield. He died during a match for Cameroon in the 2003 Confederations Cup due to a heart condition. City retired the number 23 shirt and erected a memorial at their old Maine Road ground.
Ray Jones (Queens Park Rangers) – No. 31
QPR’s promising young striker Ray Jones died in a car accident in 2007 at just 18. The club cancelled their next match and retired his number 31 shirt as a lasting tribute to his potential and presence.
Dale Roberts (Rushden & Diamonds) – No. 1
Goalkeeper Dale Roberts took his own life in 2010 at age 24, following injury struggles and personal turmoil. Rushden retired his number 1 shirt and honoured him with tributes to ensure his memory lived on among fans and teammates.
Bobby Moore (West Ham United) – No. 6
England’s legendary World Cup-winning captain was immortalised by West Ham when they retired his number 6 shirt in 2008—15 years after his death. Moore remains a symbol of excellence for both club and country.
Dylan Tombides (West Ham United) – No. 38
Australian striker Tombides passed away in 2014 after a long battle with cancer. The day after his death, West Ham laid his shirt on the pitch and later retired his number 38, making him the second player in club history to receive the honour, alongside Bobby Moore.
Mark Philo (Wycombe Wanderers) – No. 14
Philo, a youth product who made 19 first-team appearances, died in a car crash in 2006 at age 21. Wycombe retired the number 14 shirt and honoured him with a banner in a subsequent cup match against Chelsea.
Matija Sarkic (Millwall) – No. 20
Sarkic, a fan-favourite goalkeeper who joined Millwall in 2023, died unexpectedly from heart failure in June 2024. The club retired his number 20 shirt and announced plans for a mural and an annual award in his name to honour the season’s best save—ensuring his legacy endures.
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