Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-anticipated move from Liverpool to Real Madrid has officially been confirmed, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga. While the transfer itself made headlines, another detail caught fans’ attention: the England international won’t be able to wear his iconic No.66 shirt in Spain. In light of this, four alternative jersey numbers have emerged as possibilities.
Regarded as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats, Alexander-Arnold will arrive in Madrid roughly a month before his current Liverpool contract concludes. Real Madrid, now under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, reportedly paid €10 million to ensure his participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The 26-year-old, a product of Liverpool’s famed youth system and a native of Merseyside, has signed a six-year deal with the Spanish giants. He’s set to join fellow England international Jude Bellingham at the Bernabéu, though fans will have to get used to seeing him without the No.66 shirt he wore for all 354 of his Liverpool appearances.
New Shirt Number Needed for Alexander-Arnold in Madrid
Alexander-Arnold’s favored No.66 jersey won’t be an option in Spain due to La Liga regulations. According to Article 239 of the Spanish Football Federation’s rulebook regarding player uniforms, only squad numbers from 1 to 25 are allowed for first-team players. Because of this rule, La Liga clubs are also unable to retire numbers out of circulation.
Given this restriction, the question now turns to which number Alexander-Arnold might adopt for the 2025/26 season as he begins a new chapter under Alonso’s management. Over the course of his career—particularly in youth and international play—he has worn numbers like 2, 15, 17, and 18. However, No.2 and No.15 are already claimed by Dani Carvajal and Arda Güler, respectively.
With Jesús Vallejo expected to depart the club, No.18 becomes a viable option. The upcoming exit of Lucas Vázquez post-Club World Cup would also make No.17 available. Additionally, there are two other numbers that could be open in Madrid.
The No.12 jersey, once worn by club legend Marcelo and the lowest currently unassigned number, could be another option for the right-back. That said, it’s unlikely he’ll be given that shirt, as many La Liga clubs traditionally leave the No.12 vacant to honor the supporters—the so-called “12th man.”
Finally, the No.24 shirt is also reportedly up for grabs, according to sources like Madrid Universal.
On the international stage, Alexander-Arnold has worn a variety of numbers as former England manager Gareth Southgate experimented with his role in the squad. During that time, he appeared in shirts numbered 2, 7, 8, and even 10—the latter typically reserved for a team’s primary playmaker.
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