Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, is a Real Madrid player from the 2025-26 season. The English right-back reinforces a position that has caused headaches for the club since Dani Carvajal’s injury back in October. The Spaniard’s absence has forced Carlo Ancelotti to rotate makeshift options throughout the campaign, with Fede Valverde and Lucas Vázquez stepping in on multiple occasions.
The LaLiga law preventing Trent’s 66
Alexander-Arnold’s arrival will finally allow Madrid to double up at right-back, enabling the manager to alternate between Carvajal and the incoming Liverpool star. However, he won’t be able to keep wearing the shirt number he’s had since breaking through at Liverpool: No 66.
Under Spanish league rules, only players registered with the first team can wear numbers 1 through 25, with 1 and 13 reserved for goalkeepers (No 23 typically going to a third keeper), as outlined in Article 239 on “Player Uniforms.” That regulation makes Alexander-Arnold’s cherished No 66 off-limits at Madrid.
Why did Alexander-Arnold choose 66?
He didn’t choose the number 66 for any sentimental reason initially. As Lee Radcliffe, Liverpool’s head kit manager, once explained on the club’s website: “When we sign a young player coming up from the Academy, we always deliberately give them a high number so that, through their work and effort, they can earn a lower one and feel more valued. But he grew really fond of 66 and never asked to change it.”
Now, he’ll need a new number. Throughout his career, he’s worn others – the No 2 (currently Carvajal’s), 15 (Arda Güler), 17 (Lucas Vázquez), and 18 (Jesús Vallejo). The latter two are available, along with the departing Luka Modric’s No 10 – which could reportedly be handed to Kylian Mbappé, as it’s the number he wears for France. Alexander-Arnold may pick one of the available options – or wait to see if more squad changes open up additional possibilities.
One thing is for sure... it’s goodbye to Trent 66.
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