Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice-captain and academy graduate, celebrated his impending departure to Real Madrid with an extravagant farewell party at the club’s AXA Training Centre over the weekend. The event, themed “Summer of 66” in homage to his shirt number, featured a lavish setup with live music, flamethrowers, barbecue stations, and family-friendly activities. However, the celebration has ignited fury among sections of Liverpool’s fanbase, with some branding it a “disgrace” as the 26-year-old prepares to leave on a free transfer this summer. This article explores the details of the event, the reactions it provoked, and the broader context of Alexander-Arnold’s exit from Anfield.

The “Summer of 66” party was a spectacle befitting Alexander-Arnold’s status as one of Liverpool’s modern icons. Held at the club’s training ground, the event included a live band, beach games, a kids’ zone, crazy golf, and even fairies on stilts, creating a festive atmosphere. Miniature cakes dedicated to the outgoing right-back were a highlight, alongside a sign reading “Welcome to Summer of 66” set against a backdrop of deck chairs. An ice cream van and barbecue stations catered to a wide group of attendees, with a separate evening celebration rounding out the day. The presence of flamethrowers added a dramatic flair, though it raised eyebrows given the setting.

Liverpool’s squad showed up in force to bid farewell to their teammate. Club captain Virgil van Dijk, who had previously urged Alexander-Arnold to stay, attended in sunglasses, exuding a relaxed vibe. Mohamed Salah, who publicly defended the defender against fan backlash, was spotted under a red umbrella in sliders. Andy Robertson, Alexander-Arnold’s long-time full-back partner with 276 shared appearances, wore a grey shirt and white shorts, while Darwin Nunez, rumored to be leaving Liverpool himself, appeared cheerful in a white cap. Manager Arne Slot, fresh from a holiday in Ibiza, joined the festivities, as did players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, who was photographed on the crazy golf course. Alexander-Arnold’s brother and agent, Tyler, who facilitated the Real Madrid move, was also present.

The event’s guest list extended beyond players to include club staff and their families, with Nevada Linton, a club insider, sharing photos on Threads. Her caption praised the day as a memorable experience and wished Alexander-Arnold well in chasing his dreams. The defender himself, dressed casually in a white shirt and grey trousers with a jumper tied around his waist, posed for selfies with attendees, appearing at ease despite the looming transition.

However, the celebration has not sat well with many Liverpool fans. Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, announced via a heartfelt social media video after Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title win, was described as “the hardest decision” of his life. While some supporters respected his contributions—over 300 appearances, a Champions League title, and a Premier League crown—others felt betrayed by his departure. The backlash began with fans booing him during a draw against Arsenal and one burning his No. 66 shirt. The “Summer of 66” party, held at the training ground, further fueled their anger. Social media posts on X reflected the discontent, with one fan calling the event “genuinely disgusting” and another questioning why teammates attended, accusing Alexander-Arnold of “snaking” the club.

Mohamed Salah addressed the booing in an interview with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, expressing disappointment in the fans’ reaction. “We shouldn’t react this way with anyone,” Salah said, emphasizing Alexander-Arnold’s 20-year commitment to Liverpool. “He deserves a farewell.” Despite Salah’s plea, the party’s optics—especially its location at the club’s training facility—intensified criticism. Fans questioned why Liverpool allowed such an event, with one X user lamenting, “I’m kinda disappointed in the rest of the squad for even going.”

The controversy underscores the emotional weight of Alexander-Arnold’s exit. A product of Liverpool’s academy, he rose to become one of the world’s premier right-backs, redefining the role with his playmaking ability. His 2024/25 season stats—3 goals, 12 assists, and an 88% pass accuracy—highlight his value. Yet, his contract situation and reported desire for a new challenge led to the Real Madrid move, facilitated by his brother. With Liverpool facing Brighton and Crystal Palace in their final two games, the farewell party may have been Alexander-Arnold’s last major moment with the club.

Arne Slot’s presence at the event signals his pragmatic approach, focusing on squad unity despite the departure. Liverpool’s 2025/26 plans, bolstered by signings like Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, suggest a squad ready to move forward. However, the fanbase’s division reflects a broader challenge: balancing loyalty to homegrown stars with the realities of modern football’s transfer market. As Alexander-Arnold prepares for Madrid, the “Summer of 66” party will remain a polarizing chapter in his Liverpool legacy, celebrated by some and scorned by others.