Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly backed Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the 2026 UEFA Champions League final, adding even more excitement to one of the most anticipated matches in European football this season.
The upcoming final has captured the attention of fans around the world, with Arsenal preparing for their biggest European night in nearly two decades. Mikel Arteta’s side has impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defending, high pressing, and clinical attacking performances. Arsenal reached the final after overcoming Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals, with Bukayo Saka playing a decisive role in securing qualification.
According to reports and growing discussions around the football world, Ronaldo is believed to admire Arsenal’s organisation, intensity, and mentality under Arteta. While the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has often been brutally honest in his football opinions, many fans were surprised to hear him leaning toward Arsenal ahead of the final.
Arsenal’s journey to Budapest has been nothing short of remarkable. The North London club not only secured a return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, but they also ended a long wait for a Premier League title this season. Their balance between youth and experience has made them one of the most complete teams in Europe.
Even PSG manager Luis Enrique recently admitted that Arsenal are currently one of the strongest sides in the world without the ball, praising their defensive structure and tactical discipline ahead of the final.
For Ronaldo, whose career has been built on winning the UEFA Champions League, backing Arsenal could be seen as recognition of the incredible transformation Arteta has achieved at the Emirates Stadium. The Portuguese legend knows better than most what it takes to win Europe’s biggest prize, having lifted the trophy multiple times during his historic career.
Many pundits remain divided over the final. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard recently described Arsenal as underdogs despite their excellent season, while others believe the Gunners have the momentum needed to finally conquer Europe.
PSG, however, remain a massive threat. The French champions have once again dominated domestically and possess one of the most dangerous attacking units in football. Players like Ousmane Dembélé and the rest of Luis Enrique’s squad have shown they can dismantle elite opposition on the biggest stage. Yet injuries and fitness concerns ahead of the final could play an important role in deciding the outcome.
What has impressed football fans most about Arsenal this season is their maturity. Unlike previous campaigns where pressure often affected performances in decisive moments, this Arsenal side appears calm, focused, and fearless. Declan Rice has dominated midfield battles, Bukayo Saka continues to deliver in crucial matches, while the defensive partnership at the back has turned Arsenal into one of the hardest teams to break down in Europe.
Ronaldo’s reported support for Arsenal has already sparked huge reactions online. Arsenal fans have celebrated the idea of one of football’s greatest-ever players believing in their team, while PSG supporters remain confident their side will silence the doubters in the final.
The Champions League final itself is expected to be a tactical battle between two elite managers with contrasting styles. Arsenal’s structure and pressing will face PSG’s flair, pace, and technical quality in what many are already calling a modern European classic.
Should Arsenal win, it would mark the first UEFA Champions League trophy in the club’s history and complete one of the greatest seasons the club has ever experienced. For Arteta, it would cement his status as one of Europe’s elite managers and potentially begin a new era of dominance for the Gunners.
And if Ronaldo’s prediction proves correct, Arsenal supporters around the world may remember this final as the night their club finally reached the summit of European football.