Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: Shirt Number Rules Explained

• Mar 25, 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer in a highly anticipated free transfer. The move, which has been in the works for some time, is now reportedly close to completion, according to sources like Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein. However, one small detail Alexander-Arnold will have to adjust to is his shirt number at his new club.

No More No. 66 for Alexander-Arnold

Since breaking into Liverpool’s first team, Alexander-Arnold has famously worn the No. 66 shirt. Despite having worn numbers like 2, 7, 8, and 10 for the England national team, he has remained loyal to 66 at Anfield. However, LaLiga rules will prevent him from keeping that number at Real Madrid.

Spanish league regulations require first-team players to wear numbers between 1 and 25, as the squad size is limited to 25 players. Numbers above 25 are reserved for youth players who are not officially registered in the first-team squad but are still eligible to play.

At the moment, Real Madrid has only three available numbers within this range:

No. 12 – Traditionally left vacant by most LaLiga clubs as a tribute to their fans, often called the “12th man.”

No. 24 – One of the two realistic options for Alexander-Arnold.

No. 25 – Typically reserved for the third-choice goalkeeper.

While Alexander-Arnold could take No. 24, there is also speculation about other numbers opening up in the near future. Current Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal wears No. 2, but his contract runs until the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, Luka Modric, who wears No. 10, is out of contract this summer but has expressed interest in staying for another season.

Romano on Alexander-Arnold’s Move

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid is almost done. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said,

“Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold, the agreement is very close, and here we go is expected soon.”

Romano added that Madrid has always prioritized Alexander-Arnold as their top target for the right-back position. The final details are being worked out, and once everything is signed, Madrid will notify Liverpool. The England international is fully expected to join Los Blancos this summer.

A Successful Anfield Farewell?

As Alexander-Arnold prepares for his Madrid switch, he is on course to finish his Liverpool career with another Premier League title. Arne Slot’s side currently leads the table by 12 points with nine games remaining, putting them in a strong position to secure their second league trophy in five years.