Will Arsenal Win This Champions League? 2025/26 Analysis & History
As of May 2026, Arsenal is on the brink of making history. With the 2025/26 season nearing its conclusion, the question on every Gooner’s lips is: Will Arsenal win this Champions League? After falling short in previous campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have looked formidable, proving they belong among Europe’s elite.
In this article, we analyze Arsenal’s 2025/26 Champions League campaign, examine their chances against PSG in the final, and look back at their history in the tournament, including how many times they have competed.
Will Arsenal Win the 2025/26 Champions League?
They are very close, and according to many observers, they are favorites.
Following a dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the semifinals, Arsenal secured their spot in the 2026 final in Budapest.
Why This Could Be Arsenal’s Year
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- Opta Supercomputer Backing: Following the semifinal results, Opta’s supercomputer listed Arsenal as favorites to win the 2025/26 Champions League with a high probability.
- Formidable Defense: Arsenal’s defense has been stellar, characterized by the strength of Gabriel and William Saliba, which has been crucial in securing back-to-back semifinal spots.
- Arteta’s Tactical Evolution: Under Mikel Arteta, the team has matured significantly, breaking their previous cycle of round-of-16 exits and establishing themselves as strong contenders.
The Challenge: PSG in the Final
Arsenal faces a massive challenge against holders PSG, who also have a strong chance to retain their title. While some analysts believe Arsenal has the edge, others, like Steven Gerrard, view them as slight underdogs against the Parisian side.
Note: The 2025/26 Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG is scheduled for May 30, 2026, in Budapest.
How Many Times Have Arsenal Been in the Champions League?
Arsenal is a mainstay in European competition history.
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- Total Appearances: Arsenal has competed in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League 23 times.
- Best Finish: Their best finish was in the 2005/06 season, when they reached the final but lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris.
- Consecutive Appearances: They held an English record of 19 successive Champions League appearances between 1998/99 and 2016/17.
Arsenal’s Champions League History & Record
Despite never winning the trophy, Arsenal has a long history of competitive performances in Europe’s top competition.
Key Historic Milestones
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- 2005/06 Final: Led by Arsene Wenger, the team made it to the final, setting a record for the most consecutive clean sheets (10) during that tournament run.
- Post-Wenger Era: After a lean spell, the Gunners have returned to the competition under Arteta, reaching the quarterfinals in 2023/24, semifinals in 2024/25, and making the final in 2025/26.
- 100 Wins: In October 2025, Arsenal became one of the few clubs to reach 100 wins in the Champions League competition (since 1992).
Final Verdict: Can They Do It?
While past failures have scarred the club, the current Arsenal side is arguably the most equipped in 20 years to win the Champions League. With a solid foundation, a top-tier manager, and high-impact players, the 2025/26 season could be the year Arsenal finally brings the Champions League trophy to the Emirates.