Arsenal celebrate Champions League triumph with jubilant parade in North London

Gidibam Web1 day ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal Women’s team celebrated their UEFA Champions League victory in style on Monday, parading the trophy in front of thousands of jubilant fans gathered outside the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners stunned tournament favourites Barcelona with a 1-0 win in Saturday night’s final in Lisbon, securing their second Champions League title and remaining the only English side to ever lift the prestigious trophy. Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius came off the bench to score the decisive second-half goal, writing her name into the club’s history books.

The morning after their return, north London turned red as supporters flocked to the Emirates to greet their heroes. Music rang out across the plaza — including fan favourites like Sweet Caroline and The Best — as each player took turns lifting the trophy to deafening cheers from the crowd.

READ MORE: Katie McCabe takes swipe at Tottenham during Arsenal’s Champions League parade

England captain Leah Williamson, a lifelong Gunner who joined the club at just nine years old, spoke passionately about her belief in the team’s destiny.

Arsenal Women fans — ***Arsenal Women celebrated their Champions League triumph in front of a large crowd in North London (Image credit: Getty Images)***

“I’ve been saying the whole time,” Williamson said. “All my teammates will tell you, I said ‘do you believe in magic?’ That’s what I could feel. I knew it was going to happen against Lyon, I knew it was going to happen in the final. And magic delivered.”

Reflecting on the hard-fought win over Barcelona, she added: “It was a bit of an onslaught at times but we did good. We had a game plan and everyone delivered. My club. My Arsenal. Champions League winners. European champions. Let’s go.”

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Katie McCabe, another long-serving star of the team, led fans in a rousing tribute to captain Kim Little before sharing her own emotional reflection.

“I’ve been with these girls for 10 years. Red is in my blood,” McCabe said. “This group of girls is everything you need.”

Blackstenius, whose role has often been secondary to Alessia Russo this season, seized her moment in the final with a composed finish.

“It’s a huge game to play,” she admitted. “I was quite nervous of course. We spoke about stretching them — it only takes one opportunity. It all went so quick. I just tried to hit the target. When I saw it go in, I was a bit in shock. I’m just so happy.”

The triumph also marks a landmark moment for manager Renee Slegers, who guided Arsenal to European glory just four months after taking over as permanent head coach. A former academy player at the club, Slegers returned in recent years as part of Jonas Eidevall’s backroom staff before stepping into the top job following his resignation.

“I’m often very calm but there’s a lot of feelings inside me,” said the 36-year-old. “When the final whistle blew, I knew we were ready. We had two weeks of preparation, and we were so prepared.”

Thanking the supporters, she added: “We’re working every day with the players and the staff — there’s incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much. You’ve been incredible.”