Liverpool’s homegrown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to abandon his trademark No.66 shirt if he completes his expected move to Real Madrid this summer, thanks to rigid Spanish league regulations that few English fans realize exist.
End of an Era at Anfield
After confirming his heartbreaking Liverpool exit on Monday following 20 years at his boyhood club, the 26-year-old right-back appears Madrid-bound when his contract expires next month. The announcement sent shockwaves through Merseyside, ending a relationship that produced 352 appearances and delivered both Premier League and Champions League glory.
“I’ve got to a point now where I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person,” Alexander-Arnold explained in his emotional farewell statement. “And I think now is the right time for me to do that.”
Madrid’s Number Crunch
While the Champions League finalists seem set to land one of football’s elite right-backs without paying a transfer fee, Spanish bureaucracy stands in the way of Alexander-Arnold keeping his iconic 66 jersey.
La Liga’s strict numbering system forces first-team players to wear only numbers 1-25, with specific rules for goalkeepers who must don either 1, 13 or 25. This little-known regulation presents an immediate obstacle for the Liverpool academy graduate who has worn 66 throughout his professional career.
Limited Options at the Bernabéu
Currently, only three first-team numbers remain available in Madrid’s star-studded squad:
- No.12 (lowest available)
- No.24
- No.25 (typically reserved for third-choice goalkeeper)
The situation could change if other players depart this summer, potentially freeing up additional options. Alexander-Arnold has previously worn 2, 7, 8 and 10 while representing England, suggesting he might consider these alternatives if they become available.
What Next for Trent?
For Liverpool fans still processing the departure of their assist king, the number change represents just one more painful break with the past. Having risen from academy prospect to world-class talent, Alexander-Arnold’s decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter that saw him collect seven major trophies including the Premier League title in 2019/20.
The free transfer to Madrid would place him alongside fellow English stars Jude Bellingham and potentially Harry Kane, who’s also been linked with Los Blancos, creating a formidable British contingent at football’s most successful club.
For now, Alexander-Arnold remains focused on finishing his Liverpool career strongly, with the iconic No.66 on his back – a sight Anfield faithful will soon have to treasure only in memories.
