A mural celebrating former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been defaced ahead of his return to Anfield with Real Madrid. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, just hours before the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, left Liverpool for Real Madrid this past summer, a move that angered a segment of the Liverpool fanbase. The defender's decision to leave his boyhood club at the end of his contract was met with boos during his final appearances for the Reds. Many fans branded him a traitor for his decision to depart.
The mural, located on Sybil Road near Anfield, was defaced with white paint and graffiti. The messages included the word "rat" in both English and Spanish ("Adios el rata"), a derogatory term aimed at Alexander-Arnold for his controversial move. The mural features a quote from Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool's 2019 Champions League victory: "I'm just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true".
The mural was commissioned in 2019 by the Liverpool fan podcast "The Anfield Rap" to celebrate the club's Champions League win and inspire the next generation. It also bears the brand of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, an organization fighting against food poverty. This is not the first time the mural has been targeted; it was previously defaced with the word "rat" shortly before Alexander-Arnold's departure.
Workers were dispatched to clean the mural ahead of the match.
Alexander-Arnold addressed his return to Anfield, stating, "Whatever way I'm received, is the decision of the fans. I'll always love the club, I'll always be a fan of the club. I'll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together – they'll live with me forever. No matter what, my feeling won't change towards Liverpool. I've got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I'm received, that won't change".
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, also commented on Alexander-Arnold's return, saying, "He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive and have memories from watching him on television which were only positive as well – I can remember multiple great moments of his in a Liverpool shirt. He will get a warm welcome from me. Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow".
The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some condemning the vandalism and others expressing understanding of the frustration felt by some Liverpool supporters. It remains to be seen what kind of reception Alexander-Arnold will receive from the Anfield crowd during the Champions League match.
