TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.
The full-back, 26, when his contract expires at the end of the season.
took to social media with an emotional video to announce his decision.
He said he is ready for a new challenge after 20 years with his boyhood club and .
It is reported the right-back has already worth £240,000 a week at the Bernabeu.
The star is set to link up with international team-mate and close pal in the Spanish capital.
Over the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.
So they will be thrilled at the chance to link up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.
Prior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.
While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.
The six England stars to have played for in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.
Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s expected blockbuster free transfer once he , SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared...
LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)
Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from in 1979.
As one of the “Three Degrees”; alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.
The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.
Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.
Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.
Having played for , Charleroi and , Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.
The following year, he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.
STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)
Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.
A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.
The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.
McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 final.
He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with .
After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, and ESPN.
Now 53, he can regularly be seen on ‘ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.
DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)
In 2003, Real Madrid made superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.
Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of , Raul, and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.
Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.
He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before heading to .
Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013, he has continued to have several endorsement deals including with the likes of , Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Beckham, who turned 50 on Friday, also owns MLS side , and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for in 2023.
MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)
Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.
But the former winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul in the strikers pecking order.
Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to .
Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.
Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.
In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.
Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on and is heavily involved in horse racing.
JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)
of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.
The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.
Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.
Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to effectively ended his Real Madrid career.
After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to in January 2008. He won the barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.
Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.
He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and .
Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first-team coach under .
JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)
England superstar Bellingham from to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.
The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.
Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on to net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.
The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched quickly became an iconic one.
‘s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.
And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.
