Trent Alexander-Arnold has received backlash on social media for his behaviour during an exchange with Real Madrid fans. The former Liverpool defender was captured taking pictures with supporters from his car and signing a shirt outside the club's training ground on Tuesday.
Fan criticism over his demeanour
Although the gesture is typically seen as normal, fans criticised Alexander-Arnold for not smiling. Footage showed the Real full-back looking downbeat as he sat in the car greeting supporters.
One person commented on X: "Ballon d'Or winner Trent Alexander Arnold looks miserable there. The grass isn't always greener fella." Another wrote: "The fact he can’t even smile for the kids is f****** terrible."
Mixed reactions online
Some social media users expressed sadness at the sight, with one saying: "This actually makes me sad to see. Was always happier signing for fans at Anfield." Another added: "Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't look happy at all while signing the Real Madrid jersey."
However, there were also positive comments defending Alexander-Arnold. One fan said: "Y'all take a chill pill. You don’t expect someone to be jolly all the time. You don't know what kind of day he's having at that time. He still manages to do all that for the kids." Another wrote: "He's fine; he's just introvert."
Context of his move to Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold, 27, joined Real from Liverpool for £10million last summer and endured a difficult debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, struggling with injuries and battling Dani Carvajal for the right-back slot. After Carvajal confirmed he would leave at the end of the 2025/26 season, Real signed Dumfries from Inter Milan in a £17million deal, meaning Alexander-Arnold faces another tough battle for a regular starting spot.
Real Madrid's next action is a pre-season fixture against Deportivo de A Coruna on Wednesday, followed by a match against Bundesliga side Schalke on Sunday.
