Explained: Why Trent Alexander-Arnold can't wear No66 for Real Madrid

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·30 May 2025

Explained: Why Trent Alexander-Arnold can't wear No66 for Real Madrid

The full-backs' last match at Anfield may be the last time he is seen in a No66 shirt

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for the biggest move of his career as he swaps Liverpool for Real Madrid after 21 years playing on Merseyside.

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He was due to join Los Blancos when his contract expires in June, but the Spanish giants have paid £10m to secure his services ahead of the Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June.

There is another major change to come on arrival in the Spanish capital: He will no longer be able to wear the number 66.

Since making his first team debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has not wavered from the now iconic No66, which has become synonymous with his name.

But he will be forced into a change upon the move due to La Liga’s strict rules surrounding squad numbers.

Why can’t Trent Alexander-Arnold wear No66 for Real Madrid?

La Liga regulations are very clear as to what numbers are available for players to wear.

The rules stipulate that first-team players must wear a number between one and 25, with numbers 26 through 50 saved for reserves.

Certain numbers are held for specific positions. A La Liga squad can feature a maximum of three goalkeepers, who may only wear numbers one, 13, or 25.

As such, No66 will not be available to Alexander-Arnold.

What shirt number will Trent Alexander-Arnold wear at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid are yet to announce their squad numbers for the Club World Cup or the next La Liga campaign, with both announcements set to come later this summer.

With their Club World Cup opener less than three weeks away, though, a squad will soon be released, with shirt numbers likely to be included.

In the 2024-25 season, only the numbers 12, 24, and 25 were left available. Luka Modric’s departure will free up the No10 shirt, but the odds of this being handed to a full-back are slim. Jesus Vallejo’s departure also frees up the No18 shirt.

Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez are considered likely to depart, which could make the numbers 11 and 17 available.

While Alexander-Arnold has only worn No66 in Liverpool’s first team, he also sported numbers 2, 15, and 18 at academy level. On international duty, he has been handed a plethora of squad numbers, ranging from traditional options in No2 and No4 to less conventional options such as No14 and No22.