Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially begun his new chapter as a Real Madrid player, and with that, two key details have finally been confirmed: the jersey number he will wear and the name that will appear on the back of his shirt. Both choices signal a fresh start for the 26-year-old right back, who spent nearly 18 years at Liverpool.

A New Number: Trent Will Wear No. 12 at Real Madrid

Gone is the iconic No. 66 jersey that Alexander-Arnold wore throughout his professional career at Liverpool. In Spain’s LaLiga, squad numbers are limited to 1–25 for first-team players, making 66 off-limits. After a brief wait and few options available, Trent has chosen the No. 12—a number previously worn by club legends like Marcelo and Camavinga.

Although he typically wears No. 8 with England, that number is currently taken by Federico Valverde, making the 12 a symbolic fresh start at the Bernabéu.

Goodbye “Alexander-Arnold,” Hello “Trent”

In another surprising twist, the full “Alexander-Arnold” will not appear on the back of his Real Madrid jersey. Instead, he will go simply by “Trent”—a more concise, personal label that fans and teammates alike have long used to refer to him.

This decision was partially influenced by Real Madrid’s store policy, which limits shirt printing to 11 characters, but also serves as a personal and emotional signal. Sources close to the player say that dropping the hyphenated surname is Trent’s way of closing a meaningful chapter with Liverpool and embracing the future in Madrid with a more direct identity.

Presented as a Galáctico

After passing his medical, Trent signed a six-year deal with club president Florentino Pérez, posing for photos with the No. 12 shirt and the iconic backdrop of Real Madrid’s 15 UEFA Champions League trophies. He also received a stadium replica and an official club watch, as part of the club’s traditional welcome for marquee signings.

Trent was joined by his family and partner during the ceremony, underlining the importance of the moment for the former Anfield prodigy.