Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming 2026 UEFA Champions League final, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s side have shown throughout the season that they are ready to conquer Europe.
The Champions League final, scheduled for Budapest on May 30, has quickly become one of the most anticipated European finals in recent years. Arsenal are chasing their first-ever Champions League trophy, while PSG are aiming to defend the crown they won last season.
Rooney, speaking after Arsenal’s dramatic semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid, reportedly praised the mentality, energy, and tactical growth of Arteta’s team. According to reports surrounding his comments, the former England striker believes Arsenal have developed into a side capable of beating anyone in Europe on their day.
The Manchester United legend highlighted how Arsenal have evolved over the last few years under Arteta. Once criticized for inconsistency and defensive fragility, the North London side are now viewed as one of the most complete teams in Europe. Rooney pointed specifically to the atmosphere around the club, saying it feels completely different from previous years.
Reports quoting Rooney stated that he believes “it is Arsenal’s year,” with the former striker arguing that the Gunners have shown title-winning mentality all season long.
Rooney’s backing will excite Arsenal fans even more because of his history as a Manchester United icon. Traditionally, many former United players have been reluctant to openly praise Arsenal, especially during important moments. However, Rooney appears to have been consistently impressed by Arteta’s project over the last two seasons.
The Arsenal boss has transformed the team into a genuine European powerhouse. Their route to the final has been particularly impressive. Arsenal produced dominant performances against some of Europe’s biggest clubs and entered the final with enormous confidence.
Their semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid especially caught the attention of football analysts and former players across Europe. Rooney reportedly admired Arsenal’s control, intensity, and tactical discipline during that tie, with Bukayo Saka’s decisive performances receiving widespread praise.
This Arsenal side is built on balance. Defensively, they have become extremely difficult to break down, while offensively they possess creativity, pace, and technical quality across the pitch. Declan Rice has emerged as one of the leaders of the squad, Martin Ødegaard continues to dictate matches in midfield, and players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres have delivered in crucial moments throughout the campaign.
Even PSG manager Luis Enrique recently admitted that Arsenal are arguably the best team in the world when they are out of possession, praising their pressing structure and defensive organization ahead of the final.
Rooney also appears to believe that Arsenal’s hunger could become a decisive factor. Unlike PSG, who lifted the trophy recently, Arsenal are chasing history. The club has waited decades for European glory, and many supporters believe this current generation has the mentality to finally deliver it.
The former striker reportedly praised the recruitment work done by Arsenal’s board over recent seasons. Signings have not only improved quality on the pitch, but also strengthened the mentality inside the dressing room. Rooney previously stated that Arsenal now possess the squad depth required to compete at the very highest level in Europe.
Still, Rooney acknowledged that PSG remain a massive threat. The French champions possess incredible attacking quality, with stars capable of changing games instantly. PSG’s experience in European finals could also prove valuable on the biggest stage.
However, Arsenal fans will take confidence from Rooney’s prediction because many neutral observers now believe Arteta’s side are peaking at the perfect time. The Gunners recently ended their long wait for a Premier League title, and the confidence from that triumph has only increased belief around the club.
Football pundits across Europe are divided on the final. Some believe PSG’s individual brilliance will prove decisive, while others think Arsenal’s collective structure and discipline give them the edge. Rooney clearly belongs to the second group.
If Arsenal manage to defeat PSG in Budapest, it would complete one of the greatest seasons in the club’s modern history. Winning both the Premier League and Champions League in the same campaign would cement Arteta’s project among Europe’s elite and potentially mark the beginning of a new era of dominance.
For now, though, all eyes remain fixed on the final showdown between two of Europe’s most exciting teams. And according to Wayne Rooney, the team lifting the trophy at the end of the night will be Arsenal.