Barcelona star Raphinha has backed Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in this weekend’s UEFA Champions League final, adding even more excitement and belief ahead of one of the biggest matches in European football.
The Brazilian winger, who has enjoyed another sensational campaign with Barcelona, reportedly believes Mikel Arteta’s side have the quality, mentality, and defensive structure needed to overcome the French giants on the grandest stage of club football.
The Champions League final in Budapest has already captured the attention of football fans around the world, with Arsenal aiming to win the competition for the very first time in their history while PSG are looking to successfully defend their European crown. According to reports circulating this week, Raphinha has sided with Arsenal and feels the North London club’s balance across the pitch could prove decisive in the final.
Raphinha’s support for Arsenal comes at a time when Mikel Arteta’s men are receiving widespread praise for their performances throughout the season. Arsenal arrive at the final after finally ending their long Premier League title drought and are now just one victory away from completing a historic domestic and European double.
Many pundits have described Arsenal as one of the most complete teams in Europe this season. Their defensive solidity has become one of their biggest strengths, with the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and David Raya forming the backbone of a side that has frustrated elite opposition throughout the Champions League campaign. Reports ahead of the final have highlighted Arsenal’s impressive defensive numbers, including nine clean sheets in their last fourteen European matches.
Raphinha is believed to admire Arsenal’s tactical discipline under Arteta, especially the way they combine defensive organization with explosive attacking transitions. While PSG possess enormous firepower through players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, Arsenal’s compact structure and work ethic could neutralize many of those threats.
The Brazilian winger reportedly feels Arsenal’s mentality has changed completely after finally securing major silverware this season. According to analysts and football writers, Arsenal no longer carry the psychological burden of being “nearly men.” Their Premier League triumph appears to have liberated the squad, giving them the confidence to approach the Champions League final with freedom rather than fear.
Raphinha himself understands the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level in European football. The Barcelona star has delivered several major performances this season and remains one of the most influential attackers in world football. Because of that experience, his opinion carries significant weight among supporters and analysts alike.
Reports suggest that Raphinha believes Arsenal’s midfield battle could be the key area that decides the final. Declan Rice has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers all season, while Martin Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership have transformed the team into genuine European contenders. PSG’s midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz will provide a major challenge, but Arsenal’s intensity and physicality may give them the edge.
Another factor working in Arsenal’s favor is their growing experience in difficult European matches. Arteta’s side have defeated several elite clubs on their journey to the final and have shown remarkable composure under pressure. Their unbeaten Champions League run has convinced many football figures that this could finally be Arsenal’s year in Europe.
PSG, however, remain an extremely dangerous opponent. Luis Enrique’s side have been devastating going forward throughout the tournament and possess world-class individual quality in every area of the pitch. The French side are slightly favored by some bookmakers and analysts because of their attacking depth and recent European success.
Despite that, Arsenal’s tactical discipline continues to earn admiration across Europe. Analysts have suggested that Arteta may approach the game pragmatically, focusing on limiting space for PSG’s wide attackers while using set pieces and counterattacks to create chances. Arsenal’s effectiveness from corners and dead-ball situations has become one of their most feared weapons this season.
Raphinha reportedly believes that if Arsenal score first, they could become extremely difficult to break down. The Gunners have repeatedly shown this season that they can control games once they gain the advantage, using their defensive structure and intelligent game management to suffocate opponents. Several pundits have made similar observations ahead of the final.
The occasion itself also adds another emotional layer to the contest. Arsenal have waited two decades to return to a Champions League final after their heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona in 2006. For many supporters, this match represents the culmination of Arteta’s long rebuilding project at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a struggling side into one of Europe’s elite teams again. Since taking charge, the Spanish manager has rebuilt the squad, restored belief throughout the club, and developed a clear tactical identity. His work has now placed Arsenal on the verge of making history.
As anticipation continues to build ahead of the final, Raphinha’s prediction will only fuel excitement among Arsenal fans dreaming of European glory. The Brazilian star believes Arsenal have what it takes to overcome PSG and finally lift the most prestigious trophy in club football.
Whether his prediction proves correct remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this weekend’s Champions League final promises to be one of the most fascinating and emotionally charged encounters in recent memory. Arsenal are chasing immortality, PSG are fighting to cement a new era of dominance, and the football world will be watching every moment.