Champions League Final: PSG, Arsenal React

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender #05 Marquinhos lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal FC at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Key quotes after Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal on penalties in the Champions League final on Saturday to successfully defend their title:

“It is even bigger because we knew of the difficulties of playing against Arsenal, and for us as a team and a city it is incredible to win it.”

— PSG coach Luis Enrique.

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“It’s a different feeling. From the first day of the season, the coach said ‘It’s hard to win, but winning twice is even harder’. .. I think the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was incredible. Thank you to the Parc des Princes, thank you to everyone in Paris. Enjoy it guys, but in moderation, don’t cause any trouble!”

— PSG captain Marquinhos.

Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal FC at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026. (Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP)

“A new star shines over Paris. Bravo to PSG who are making all of Europe dream. France is proud.”

— French President Emmanuel Macron.

“We are so, so proud, so happy, so grateful. As a team, as a family, I think we deserve that… look at the fans, we are so happy.”

— PSG winger Desire Doue.

Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta walks past the trophy after losing the UEFA Champions League final football match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

“It is very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalty kicks, so it is a difficult one.”

— Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

“It was Real Madrid and now it’s us too. They defended all through the game and football is fair… today the right team won.”

— Paris midfielder Fabian Ruiz after his team became only the second side to win back-to-back European Cups in the Champions League era after Real Madrid.

“It’s devastating to lose a Champions League final on penalties. But we have to have perspective on how far we’ve come.”

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

Author

  • Jimisayo Opanuga

    Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.

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