Trent Alexander-Arnold will soon be unveiled by Real Madrid, but there is something the ex-Liverpool defender will have to leave behind at Anfield
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool wipes his face with his shirt as he prepares to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool wipes his face with his shirt as he prepares to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold will soon be unveiled as a Real Madrid player(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's iconic No. 66 shirt, which he has donned throughout his club career, won't be an option for him at Real Madrid. From his early days at Liverpool to clinching the Champions League and two Premier League titles, the right-back has always sported the unique number.
The Spanish giants recently confirmed a £10million deal to bring Alexander-Arnold, 26, on board a month ahead of schedule. This move ensures that he will be eligible to play in the Club World Cup for Xabi Alonso's squad.
Although his contract with Anfield wasn't set to expire until June 30, he will be introduced by the La Liga titans on June 1. However, when he unveils his new Real Madrid kit, it won't feature his familiar No. 66.
This is due to La Liga regulations prohibiting players from wearing any shirt number above No. 25. The only exception to this rule applies to youth players.
Alexander-Arnold's new defensive colleague, Raul Asencio, for instance, came through the youth system and has been wearing the No. 35 for Los Blancos. But only the numbers No. 12, No. 24, and No. 25 are currently up for grabs for Alexander-Arnold.
The No. 2 jersey, typically worn by a team's primary right-back, is currently held by Real veteran Dani Carvajal. However, the No. 10, No. 17 and No. 18 jerseys, currently worn by Luka Modric, Lucas Vasquez and Jesus Vallejo, could become available as their contracts are set to expire this summer.
Modric's departure has been officially announced, with the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder set to leave following the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract that will see him remain at the club until 2031.
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid gestures during the La Liga Week 36 football match between Real Madrid and Mallorca at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on May 14, 2025
As an academy graduate, Raul Asencio is allowed to wear the N0. 35
His contract also includes a staggering buy-out clause of €1bn (£840m). On 5 May, he confirmed his intention to depart Liverpool at the end of his contract, shortly after the Reds clinched the Premier League title.
Although Liverpool were not anticipated to receive any compensation due to the Bosman ruling, they have managed to benefit from Real Madrid's eagerness to include him in the Club World Cup. It is understood they will pay the Reds £8.4m, with the total package amounting to £10m after covering the defender's wages for the final month of his contract.
Alexander-Arnold's exit from Liverpool was met with anger by many supporters. When he was substituted on during the Reds' subsequent 2-2 draw against Arsenal, boos and jeers could be heard throughout Anfield.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold runs with the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 25, 2025
The No. 66 shirt has been synonymous with Alexander-Arnold
However, the reception for Alexander-Arnold improved during the final match of the season, when Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
As he bid farewell to the fans, he was visibly emotional and was seen shedding tears with his family on the pitch. He will have some time to familiarise himself with his new environment before making his debut.
On 18 June, Real Madrid will take on Al-Hilal in the group stage of the Club World Cup, followed by further matches against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg.