Meaning behind Trent's new shirt number at Real Madrid discovered by fans

Football fans have claimed to have uncovered the hidden meaning behind Trent Alexander-Arnold's new shirt number at Real Madrid.

The England full-back was unveiled at the Spanish giants on Thursday after joining Los Blancos early in time for the Club World Cup.

His former club Liverpool were previously adamant that he would not be able to join Real until after his contract expired with the Reds on June 30.

As a result, the LaLiga side agreed to pay £10million to the Merseysiders in order to secure the services of Alexander-Arnold ahead of schedule.

But as the 26-year-old right-back was completing his medical in the Spanish capital, fans were convinced they had found out the reason why he opted for the number 12 shirt for his new club.

They took to social media to pen their theories, after noticing an eerie similarity between his old and new numbers.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one user wrote: '6+6=12 .. I am a scholar.'

A second added: '6+6 = 12......I see it...'

A further comment read: 'Ahh, 6+6 = 12, now I got why 12!!!'

Alexander-Arnold has been required to select a new number as LaLiga rules only permit players to wear those between one and 25.

He has also chosen to undergo a name change as he embarks on a new chapter in his career - that will see him revert from 'Alexander-Arnold' to 'Trent'.

Following Alexander-Arnold's presentation to fans, the Madrid squad will fly to the United States for the Club World Cup - which gets underway on June 14 - as they face RB Salzburg, Pachuca and Al Hilal.

Along with being forced to sacrifice his old shirt number, Alexander-Arnold was also forbidden from taking another prized personal item to Spain.

He was unable to ship his £130,000 Range Rover as Madrid have a sponsorship agreement with BMW, which prevents players driving any other cars to the club's training ground, according to El Motor.

The car manufacturer provides Real Madrid players with cars to use throughout the season, meaning they will hook up Alexander-Arnold with a new drive.

Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have opted for the BMW XM, which costs around £152,000 but will be given to the defender for free.