Trent Alexander-Arnold wore the number 66 at Liverpool, but La Liga rules prevent him from doing so at Real Madrid. Spanish top-flight clubs must name a 25-man 'A' squad at the start of each season, and every player included is obliged to wear a number from 1-25, with goalkeepers allocated the numbers one, 13, and 25. Youth players not included in the initial 'A' squad can wear higher numbers. At the time of Alexander-Arnold's signing, the only outfield numbers available between one and 25 were 12 and 18, and the England international opted for the former. Real's number 12 was previously worn by France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, but he switched to number six a year ago after the departure of Nacho Fernandez. Prior to that, it was worn for 16 years by Brazilian left-back Marcelo, who won 25 major trophies during his time with the club. Former Bolton defender Ivan Campo also wore that number during his four-year stint at the Bernabeu. Send us your questions Alexander-Arnold wore the number 66 shirt on his Liverpool debut - against Tottenham in the EFL Cup in October 2016 - and never switched. The full-back had no personal connection to the number - it was simply allocated to him as a youngster. But even when he overtook Nathaniel Clyne to become the Reds' first-choice right-back, he opted to stick with 66. Alexander-Arnold played 354 times for Liverpool wearing the number 66 shirt Liverpool kit co-ordinator Lee Radcliffe told the club's website: "When we get any young lads that come down from the academy, we always deliberately try to give them a high-ish number. We don't like to give them a low number in case they think they've made it straight away. "When you see him now lifting trophies and celebrating with No 66 on the back, it's a weird feeling and I can't really describe it. It's weird to see such a high number and for someone to be happy with it! "Obviously Trent's got quite attached to the number." Alexander-Arnold is not the only current England player to have a high squad number early in their career and persist with it. Both Declan Rice (41) and Phil Foden (47) have maintained the shirt numbers with which they made their professional debuts. Real have also revealed Alexander-Arnold will wear the name 'Trent' on the back of his shirt. Using a first name rather than a surname on the back of a shirt is not uncommon. Players including Alexander-Arnold's former team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Nunez use their first name, as have others including Dele Alli, Sergio Busquets, Memphis Depay, James Rodriguez, Alexis Sanchez and Jobe Bellingham. Alexander-Arnold has not explained the reasoning between dropping his surname, but has also altered his Instagram handle to just his first name, indicating the decision is about his wider personal brand. Use of a mononym - particularly one which is fairly unique - is often seen as a strength in branding and merchandising as it stands out and is easier to remember. Mononyms are often used as part of a branding strategy by talent agencies who manage singers, actors, and other high-profile public figures. La Liga is not alone among Europe's top five leagues in restricting the squad numbers players can choose from. The Bundesliga requires first-team players to wear numbers from 1-40. If a team uses more than 40 players in a season, squad numbers should be assigned consecutively from that point onwards. The Premier League, Ligue 1, and Serie A don't have restrictions beyond allowing players to choose from 1-99. Before 2022, Ligue 1 did also have a restriction - mandating that players use numbers 1-30. Serie A has also relaxed more stringent rules, though one it has maintained is a ban on the number 88, which is sometimes used in Italy to demonstrate support for fascism. High squad numbers are much more common in Serie A than the other top five European leagues - in the 2024-25 season, every club aside from Juventus had at least one first-team player using number 80 or higher, and eight clubs had a player wearing number 99. Cameroon midfielder Frank Anguissa, formerly of Fulham, now wears the number 99 for Serie A champions Napoli When Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni - a prolific scorer of free-kicks and penalties - broke the appearance record at Sao Paulo in 2005, he wore a commemorative shirt bearing the number 618 to mark his tally in an official match against Atletico Mineiro. In 2010, an administrative quirk meant Australia midfielder Tommy Oar became the first player to wear a three-digit number in an official international fixture. The former Utrecht player made his international debut wearing number 121. Moroccan striker Hicham Zerouali was allowed to wear the number 0 at Aberdeen in 2000 after fans nicknamed him 'Zero' - but the number was banned for the following season. Though the number one shirt is traditionally worn by goalkeepers, some outfield players have worn it, including the Netherlands' Ruud Geels at the 1974 World Cup, Ossie Ardiles for Argentina at the 1978 edition, and former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids during his 15-month spell as player-manager of Barnet. Rogerio Ceni scored 129 goals in 1209 matches across a 25-year career, despite being a goalkeeper This article is the latest from BBC Sport'sAsk Me Anythingteam. Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions. This question was submitted by Mark in Stoke-on-Trent. Thanks, Mark! We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do. The team explores everything you need to know and calls upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits. We answer your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and go behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events. Our coverage spans the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio. Who are Premier League clubs playing in pre-season? How is the Ballon d'Or winner decided? Why are 1bn euro release clauses becoming more common? When are the 2025-26 Premier League fixtures released? Who has qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League?
Why Alexander-Arnold is not allowed to wear number 66 for Real Madrid
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trent Alexander-Arnold's Jersey Number Change Due to La Liga Regulations"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the renowned right-back, has made the transition from Liverpool to Real Madrid, but he encounters a significant hurdle regarding his jersey number. At Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold proudly donned the number 66, a number he initially received as a youth player and chose to retain throughout his career, amassing 354 appearances with it. However, La Liga regulations stipulate that players must wear numbers from 1 to 25 for the official 25-man 'A' squad. Consequently, upon joining Real Madrid, the only available outfield numbers within that range were 12 and 18. Alexander-Arnold opted for number 12, previously worn by Eduardo Camavinga, who had switched to number six, leaving the number 12 open. This historical context of jersey numbers at Real Madrid includes the legacy of Marcelo, who wore the number for 16 years, highlighting both the significance and the restrictions that come with the club's numbering system.
In addition to the number change, Alexander-Arnold will have 'Trent' emblazoned on the back of his shirt instead of his surname. This decision aligns with a trend among players who aim to enhance their personal brand. The use of first names can be advantageous for branding and merchandising, making players more memorable to fans. Notably, this practice is not unique to Alexander-Arnold, as other prominent players, including his former teammates and international counterparts, have also adopted similar naming conventions. Furthermore, La Liga's restrictions on jersey numbers are reflective of broader regulations across European leagues, with the Bundesliga having its own set of rules on squad numbers. In contrast, leagues like the Premier League allow players more freedom in their number choices. The evolution of jersey numbers, particularly the embrace of high numbers in various leagues, continues to spark discussions about tradition, personal identity, and branding in professional football.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the regulations surrounding player jersey numbers in La Liga, specifically focusing on Trent Alexander-Arnold's transition from Liverpool to Real Madrid. It highlights the constraints imposed by Spanish football authorities, which prevent him from wearing his iconic number 66 and instead assigns him a number within the range of 1-25.
Regulatory Context of Player Numbers
The piece provides a clear explanation of the rules that govern player jersey numbers in La Liga. Clubs must designate a squad of 25 players, with strict numbering requirements. This regulatory framework emphasizes the traditional approach in Spanish football, where specific numbers are reserved for certain positions, such as goalkeepers. The article captures the essence of how these rules impact player identity and the sentimental value attached to jersey numbers.
Alexander-Arnold’s Attachment to Number 66
In discussing Alexander-Arnold’s history with the number 66, the article hints at the deeper emotional connection players have with their jersey numbers. It notes that Alexander-Arnold did not have a personal attachment to the number at Liverpool but grew into it, making it a part of his identity as a player. This aspect may resonate with fans who understand the significance of a player's journey and their milestones, further adding a human element to the story.
Implications for Real Madrid’s Squad Dynamics
The piece also touches upon the historical context of the number 12 at Real Madrid and how its previous wearers have left significant marks on the club's legacy. This connection not only highlights the tradition within the team but also sets expectations for Alexander-Arnold, who must now carve out his legacy while wearing a different number. The mention of prior players who wore the number adds depth to the narrative, portraying a lineage that Alexander-Arnold must now honor.
Public Perception and Sentiment
The tone of the article suggests a subtle sentimentality regarding Alexander-Arnold's transition. It aims to evoke empathy from the audience towards the player, who faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment and the associated changes that come with it. By focusing on these emotional elements, the article seeks to foster a connection between the reader and the player, enhancing the narrative's appeal.
Potential Manipulative Elements
While the article primarily informs, there are hints of emotional manipulation, particularly in how it frames Alexander-Arnold's past and his relationship with his jersey number. By emphasizing the emotional weight of jersey numbers and the significance of Real Madrid's history, the article can sway public sentiment in favor of Alexander-Arnold, portraying him as a figure navigating a challenging transition.
Reliability and Context
The information presented is factual and grounded in established regulations of La Liga, making it reliable. However, the emotional framing could lead to interpretations that stray from pure journalism, leaning towards a narrative that seeks to create a certain public image of Alexander-Arnold.
In summary, while the article is based on real events and regulations, it also employs emotional storytelling techniques that may influence reader perceptions. The intent seems to be to foster a bond between the audience and Alexander-Arnold as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.