Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Liverpool on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, was marred by hostility, as a defaced mural and jeers from fans underscored the raw feelings surrounding his departure. The former Anfield hero, now with Real Madrid, experienced a bitter homecoming in the Champions League match, a far cry from the warm reception many might have expected for a player who had dedicated so much to the club.
Prior to the match, a mural celebrating Alexander-Arnold near Liverpool's stadium was vandalized. The word "rat" was repeatedly daubed over the artwork, and white paint was thrown on the picture, expressing the anger of some fans over his move to the Spanish giants in July. The vandalism was quickly removed before the game, but the message was clear.
The animosity wasn't limited to the mural. When Alexander-Arnold entered the match as a late substitute in the 81st minute, he was met with loud jeers from all sides of the stadium. The boos continued each time he touched the ball, a stark contrast to the cheers he once received as a beloved Liverpool player.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot had admitted before the game that he was unsure how the fans would react. "Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow," Slot had said, "I have no clue how that's going to be, but he gets a warm welcome from me, that's for sure". The reality turned out to be far from welcoming.
Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances for Liverpool after graduating from the club's academy in 2015. During his time with the Reds, he helped the team win eight major trophies, including the Premier League title in 2020, ending the club's 30-year wait to be crowned English champion. Despite these achievements, some fans had already begun to express their displeasure towards the end of the previous season, prompting then-manager Jurgen Klopp to voice his disappointment.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, also a former Liverpool player, had encouraged Alexander-Arnold to relish his return to Anfield. "He has to have his own feelings and enjoy it his own way, so I am not going to say how he needs to feel," Alonso said. "For sure his history is different from mine, he was born and bred in Liverpool".
Speaking to Prime Video Sport before the match, Alexander-Arnold said: “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 for ever”.
To compound Alexander-Arnold's misery, Real Madrid lost the match 1-0, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the only goal for Liverpool. While Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several saves to keep the score down, the defeat added another layer of disappointment to Alexander-Arnold's already difficult return.
