James Milner dedicates his goal to his good friend Diogo Jota, while wearing No.20

James Milner paid tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota after scoring his first Premier League goal in six years on Sunday.

The 39-year-old scored the equaliser in Brighton‘s stunning 2-1 win over Manchester City, the Seagulls coming from behind to claim all three points at the Amex.

Milner slotted home from the penalty spot and proceeded to perform Jota’s famous video game celebration.

The Liverpool forward tragically died at the age of 28 alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25, after a car crash in northern Spain in July.

He had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before the incident, which took place while he was driving back to the UK for pre-season.

Milner changed his squad number from six to 20 for the 2025–26 season, in honour of his late friend.

James Milner performed Diogo Jota's video game celebration after his goal on Sunday
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James Milner performed Diogo Jota’s video game celebration after his goal on Sunday

Milner paid tribute to his late friend after netting his first top flight goal in six years
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Milner paid tribute to his late friend after netting his first top flight goal in six years

Milner (2nd right) has said Jota was one of his favourite team-mates during his long career
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Milner (2nd right) has said Jota was one of his favourite team-mates during his long career

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Speaking to MyAlbion TV about his decision, Milner said: ‘Once I heard Carlos [Baleba] was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and to obviously pay tribute to Diogo Jota.

‘He was an amazing player, who I was fortunate to play with, and he was a great friend as well.

‘It will be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League this year.’

Milner and Jota spent three years together at Anfield before the former made his way to Brighton in 2023.

His equaliser kicked off a brilliant comeback which was completed by an 89th minute winner from Brajan Gruda.

The 21-year-old produced the coolest of finishes after being played through on goal, handing City their second consecutive defeat.