Arsenal lost the 2026 Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 31, with PSG winning the shootout 4-3 after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time [1, 2]. The match marked Arsenal’s first Champions League final appearance since 2006 [1].
The penalty shootout ended heartbreakingly as Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães missed the decisive spot kick [1]. Despite the loss, midfielder Declan Rice scored his penalty and spoke to reporters after the match about the team’s progress during the season [1, 2].
"It's gutting. It's devastating to lose the Champions League final on penalties," Rice said. "We try to take a lot of perspective from how far we've come as a group. It's been an incredible season -- our 63rd game in all competitions tonight -- giving it absolutely everything up until this point." [2]
Rice praised manager Mikel Arteta, saying, "He told us he loves us all, to keep our heads up, to be proud of what we have achieved this season. ... that is why we were so happy to deliver the Premier League because he deserves it." [1]
Arsenal won the 2025-26 Premier League title, their first league championship since 2004 [1]. The squad played 63 matches across all competitions this season [2]. Despite falling short in Europe, Rice emphasized the team’s resolve: "Speaking to the players, obviously the manager, there is no reason why we are stopping here. Next season we are going to go even stronger and we are going to be ready again so it is exciting times for this club." [1]
On the international front, Rice will miss England's first warmup match against New Zealand on August 22, as he is resting before joining the England squad’s training camp in Miami [1]. Meanwhile, midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had a strong recent run, was omitted from England’s World Cup squad, a decision Lewis-Skelly called disappointing because he came so "close to a dream, a goal" [1].
Arsenal continues preparations for the next season after its historic domestic success and near miss in Europe, with players like Rice positioning themselves for future campaigns.
