Why can’t Alexander-Arnold wear shirt number 66 for Real Madrid?

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.

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.

Real Madrid have now confirmed that he will don the No12 shirt for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States this weekend.

The back of his shirt will also reportedly read ‘Trent’ rather than Alexander-Arnold.

He could make his Real Madrid debut as early as June 18, when Real Madrid face Al Hilal in their Club World Cup opener.

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.