What Real Madrid Shirt Number Trent Alexander-Arnold Could Wear – He’s Banned From Taking 66\

The long-awaited transfer saga of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool to Real Madrid has finally come to an end. After months of negotiations, Real Madrid officially confirmed the signing of the English right-back, a player widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s finest talents in recent years. However, the news has brought an unexpected twist: Alexander-Arnold will not be able to wear his iconic No. 66 shirt at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The reason? Spanish football’s strict squad numbering rules. According to Article 239 of the Spanish Football Federation’s regulations regarding player uniforms, La Liga clubs can only assign squad numbers from 1 to 25 to their first-team players. This means Alexander-Arnold’s famous 66 jersey, which he has worn since graduating from Liverpool’s academy, is off limits in Spain.

This rule also prevents La Liga clubs from retiring shirt numbers, a practice common in other leagues as a tribute to club legends. Therefore, Alexander-Arnold must choose a new number to carry on his career at Real Madrid, a decision that has sparked much speculation among fans and pundits alike.

Born and raised in Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold’s rise from a promising academy graduate to a world-class right-back has been meteoric. During his tenure at Liverpool, he made 354 appearances, racking up a staggering 64 Premier League assists — the most by any defender since the Premier League’s inception in 1992.

Real Madrid paid a fee of €10 million to Liverpool to secure his early release, allowing Alexander-Arnold to join the club ahead of schedule and participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. He has signed a six-year contract and will soon link up with fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s evolving squad.

With No. 66 out of the question, which numbers are on the table for Alexander-Arnold? Historically, he has donned various numbers including 2, 15, 17, and 18 during his Liverpool career. However, some of these options are already taken at Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal occupies No. 2, and Arda Güler has claimed No. 15.

That leaves other possibilities such as No. 17 and No. 18, which could become available as Lucas Vázquez is expected to depart following the Club World Cup. Additionally, No. 12 and No. 24 are also reportedly free, with the latter drawing attention as a potential choice.

However, the No. 12 shirt comes with its own caveats. Traditionally in Spain, this number is reserved as a symbolic tribute to the fans — the “12th man” — and clubs usually keep it unassigned. This unwritten rule may discourage Alexander-Arnold from taking that number despite its availability.

Marcelo, a legendary former Real Madrid left-back, famously wore No. 12, adding to the number’s significance at the club. Whether Alexander-Arnold will break tradition remains to be seen.

On the international stage, Alexander-Arnold has worn a variety of numbers for England under Gareth Southgate’s management, including 2, 7, 8, and even the No. 10, typically reserved for creative midfielders. This versatility in shirt numbers hints that he is adaptable and might embrace a new identity at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s coaching staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti and his successor Xabi Alonso, will likely guide Alexander-Arnold through this transition, ensuring he feels settled and ready to contribute immediately.

The significance of this transfer goes beyond just numbers and shirts. Alexander-Arnold’s move signals Real Madrid’s intent to rejuvenate their squad with young, dynamic players who can redefine the team’s attacking and defensive capabilities.

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, are left reflecting on the end of an era as one of their brightest stars moves on. Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Anfield is cemented, but questions remain about how both clubs will fare in the seasons ahead.

As Alexander-Arnold prepares to embark on this new chapter, the football world watches with anticipation. How will he adapt to the demands of La Liga? What impact will he have alongside Jude Bellingham and the rest of the Real Madrid squad?

One thing is certain: the shirt number debate is just the beginning of many new stories for the English full-back in Spain.