Real Madrid paid Liverpool a reported €10m (£8.4m) to sign Alexander-Arnold, freeing him from his deal a month early on 1 June 2025.
However, his long-anticipated first season didn’t hit the heights many had hoped for.
Two separate injuries disrupted his rhythm: a hamstring issue in September sidelined him for seven weeks, and a thigh problem in December kept him out for another two months.
Those setbacks denied him the extended run of games needed to build momentum and forge a bond with the fans.
He appeared in 35 of Madrid’s 62 fixtures across competitions, starting 27, as he rotated at right-back with club icon Dani Carvajal rather than holding down the role as first choice.
Questions about his defending—so often debated at Liverpool—followed him to Madrid, even as his quality on the ball consistently stood out.
There were flashes of his unquestionable talent, but some supporters felt they still hadn’t seen enough to fully judge his impact.
By the end of a trophyless season with Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa at the helm, he began to resemble his best self, finishing strongly and posting a message of thanks to the fans on social media.
He said Madridistas had welcomed him warmly and supported him from day one, that it took a few months to find his rhythm and settle, and that he now felt completely at home.
He added that he would rest, work hard over the summer, and promised to bring trophies back to the club next season.