Trent Alexander-Arnold will make his Real Madrid debut at the Club World Cup next Wednesday against Al-Hilal, wearing the number 12 shirt for the Spanish giants.
The 26-year-old defender has already updated his Instagram handle from '@trentarnold66' to simply '@trent', reflecting his new kit which will feature 'Trent' rather than 'Alexander-Arnold' on the back.
The England international is set to be unveiled as a Madrid player on Thursday before the squad departs for the United States.
Real Madrid paid Liverpool £10million to secure his early release from his contract, enabling him to participate in the tournament where they will also face Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will make his Real Madrid debut at the Club World Cup next Wednesday against Al-Hilal, wearing the number 12 shirt for the Spanish giants
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Alexander-Arnold's switch from his Liverpool number 66 to Madrid's 12 comes due to LaLiga regulations requiring shirt numbers between 1 and 25.
Only unregistered youth players like Los Blancos' Raul Asencio, who wears 35, are exempt from this rule.
The right-back's debut will mark his first opportunity to impress new manager Xabi Alonso, who has taken over from Carlo Ancelotti.
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🚨🏴 OFFICIAL: Trent Alexander-Arnold will wear number 12 at Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/4iFGvwIgxA
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 11, 2025
His early arrival was facilitated by Liverpool accepting the £10m fee, allowing him to leave before his contract expired.
The Club World Cup appearance next Wednesday represents the beginning of Alexander-Arnold's new chapter in Spain after departing his boyhood club.
Alexander-Arnold faces another significant change beyond his shirt number, as Real Madrid's sponsorship agreement with BMW prevents him from driving his £130,000 Range Rover to the training ground.
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According to El Motor, the German car manufacturer provides Madrid players with vehicles throughout the season, which are later sold as pre-owned models.
The defender will receive a free luxury BMW, with team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham having chosen the BMW XM model valued at approximately £152,000.
The sponsorship arrangement includes plug-in hybrid and electric options, ensuring Alexander-Arnold can still drive an SUV despite leaving his Range Rover behind on Merseyside.
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Alexander-Arnold's departure from Liverpool proved controversial after he chose to run down his contract for a free transfer.
He was booed by some supporters when substituted during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield in early May, though team-mates and manager Arne Slot defended him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League, during his time at Liverpool
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His final appearance against Crystal Palace saw improved reception from fans. Alexander-Arnold broke down in tears during his lap of honour following the trophy presentation as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title.
He was visibly emotional again during the club's open-top bus parade the following day, marking the end of his long association with his boyhood club.
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