Alexander-Arnold becomes just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid

Breaking new ground in Spain

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Few English players have taken the road less travelled to LaLiga, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest to embrace the challenge. His move to Real Madrid is both bold and historic, placing him among a very exclusive club. Having made his debut at the FIFA Club World Cup, his Spanish adventure is already under way; a new chapter that honours the rare but influential moves of his countrymen before him.

Elite club

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Only seven have done so, spanning nearly five decades of football history. From pioneers to Galácticos and modern stars, each brought something unique to the Bernabéu, often at pivotal moments in their careers. Here's the story of each of the Englishmen to wear the famous all-white strip.

Trailblazer

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

At Real Madrid, Cunningham played 66 times and scored 20 goals, according to Transfermarkt. Injuries disrupted his progress, resulting in a few loan moves, but he played a key role in winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Though not always consistent, his peak performances left a lasting impression.

Widespread impact

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Cunningham’s impact extended beyond the pitch, breaking barriers for future black players in European football. Despite injuries curtailing his influence, he left the Spanish capital in 1984 with respect from fans and peers. After Madrid, he had a spell in France with Marseille before heading back to England.

2. Steve McManaman

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

After establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most gifted attacking midfielders, McManaman joined Real Madrid from Liverpool on a free transfer in 1999. Known for his dribbling, energy and intelligence on the ball, he had been a key figure at Anfield throughout the 1990s. His decision to move abroad, therefore, surprised many at the time.

Big contribution

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

The Scouser quickly adapted to life in La Liga and, per Transfermarkt, made 158 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 14 goals and contributing to multiple trophy wins. Most notably, he scored a stunning volley in the 2000 Champions League final.

Well-integrated

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

McManaman left Real Madrid for Manchester City in 2003 as one of the most successful English exports to Spanish football, having won two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during his four-year stay. Unlike many foreign players, he was well integrated into the squad and spoke decent Spanish.

3. David Beckham

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Beckham arrived at Real Madrid in 2003 from Manchester United in the most high-profile transfer of the decade. At Old Trafford, he had won numerous trophies and built a global brand, but his move to Madrid marked the beginning of the next phase in the Galácticos project.

Transitional period

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Beckham made 159 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 20 goals and contributing countless assists with his trademark crosses and set-pieces. Despite a rocky start during a time of multiple managerial changes, he improved steadily and became a consistent performer. In fact, he was part of the side that won La Liga in his final season, 2006–07.

4. Jonathan Woodgate

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

At the time regarded as one of England’s finest defenders, Woodgate joined Real Madrid from Newcastle United in August 2004. Despite his injury issues, Madrid saw potential in his reading of the game and aerial ability. However, concerns about his fitness would soon prove to be well-founded.

Injury-prone

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Woodgate’s time in Madrid was plagued by injuries, delaying his debut by over a year. When he finally played, he scored an unfortunate own goal and was sent off in an infamous debut. In total, he made just 14 appearances and scored once, per Transfermarkt.

Unlucky

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Woodgate left Real Madrid in 2006 to return to England with Middlesbrough, his injury problems still unresolved. Though his spell was short and often mocked, his Madrid stint is often cited as one of the unluckiest in football history.

5. Michael Owen

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Three years after winning the Ballon d’Or with boyhood club Liverpool, Owen signed for Real Madrid in August 2004. He arrived as one of Europe’s most lethal and pacy strikers, but despite his talent, the competition for places in attack was fierce.

Often on the bench

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Owen scored 16 goals in 45 appearances during his single season in Spain (per Transfermarkt). It was a solid return, given he was often used off the bench, behind the likes of Ronaldo and Raúl. Though he contributed, he was never fully integrated into the starting XI and his best performances came in bursts.

A brief stay

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

His time at Madrid was brief but not unsuccessful — he maintained a good goalscoring rate and handled the pressure of a high-profile move well. Still, after just one season, Owen returned to the Premier League with Newcastle United in 2005, where his career suffered a sharp decline due to recurring injuries.

6. Jude Bellingham

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in July 2023 after a meteoric rise in Germany. Known for his maturity and physical presence, by 19, he had already captained Dortmund and starred in the Champions League. Bellingham was one of the most sought-after talents in world football, and Real Madrid beat fierce competition to secure his signature.

Instant impact

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Bellingham adapted instantly to Spanish football, making 94 appearances and scoring 37 goals in his first two seasons, according to Transfermarkt. His late runs into the box, leadership and a big-game mentality were key to Los Blancos securing La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League victory in 2023-24.

Future all-time great

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Still only in his early twenties, Bellingham is already viewed as a cornerstone of Madrid’s future. His blend of skill, work rate and composure belies his age, and he continues to grow in influence. While it’s far too early to define his legacy, the early signs suggest he could become an all-time great at the club.

7. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

After one of the most protracted transfer sagas in history, Alexander-Arnold completed his free-transfer move to Real Madrid from Liverpool in June 2025. At Anfield, he earned a reputation as one of the world’s top right-backs, known for his exceptional passing range.

Serial winner

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

He played a key role in Liverpool’s renaissance under Jürgen Klopp and, more recently, Arne Slot. The Scouser won every trophy available to him, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League. Having achieved all he could, he decided to seek new challenges in Spain.

Anticipation

Breaking new ground in Spain, Elite club, Trailblazer, Widespread impact, 2. Steve McManaman, Big contribution, Well-integrated, 3. David Beckham, Transitional period, 4. Jonathan Woodgate, Injury-prone, 5. Michael Owen, Often on the bench, A brief stay, 6. Jude Bellingham, Instant impact, Future all-time great, 7. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Serial winner, Anticipation

Los Blancos paid a fee so that he would be released early from his Liverpool contract and play in the FIFA Club World Cup. Anticipation is high, with fans eager to see how he fits into the team’s tactical setup and links up with good friend Jude Bellingham (right).

Post Related