By Emme Fortnam (4/2/26)
Above: Arsenal lifting the first Champions Cup Photo: Arsenal FC
In the 24/25 season, Arsenal fought their way to the top of the women’s football, securing a UEFA Women’s Champions League title on the 24th May 2025. With Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey combining for 14 goals, Arsenal’s key players had a profound impact on the competition – shining in those crucial knockout moments that defined the European run.
In the Champions league, they soared to the quarter-finals with limited knockbacks. In the quarter and semi finals, Arsenal found themselves trailing in the first leg – to Real Madrid and OL Lyonnes respectively. Two second-leg comebacks saw them through to the final against the imperious Barcelona, setting up one of the most anticipated finals in history. The game started quietly, as Arsenal’s midfield disrupted that historic Barca three. As is often the case for Arsenal, it was Stina Blackstenius the substitute hero who scored to give Arsenal the win. Claiming victory for the just the second time in the competition.
Now, in 2026, Arsenal entered the new Champions Cup, a mini club ‘world cup’ with winners of the four Champions Leagues playing each other. They started by knocking out AS Far (Morocco) while Corinthians (Brazil) stunned American champions Gotham to set up a tie at Arsenal’s home ground for the final. While the Brazilian champions may lack the pure talent of Arsenal, they’re a strong defensive and tactically astute side, and this would be no walkover. Olivia Smith got the scoring started after Russo’s effort was saved, before the game was equalised by Gabi Zanotti. Lotte Wubbon Moy, who has enjoyed limited minutes in the league, rose above the rest, heading home to restore her team’s lead.
In injury time however, the drama continued as Katie McCabe’s foul in the box allowed the Brazillians to level. Extra time saw Caitlin Foord smash home the goal which finally dealt the final blow to Corinthians, seeing Arsenal over the line. In front of 25,000 fans, whatever you say about the competition, Arsenal are officially World Champions.
Sitting fourth in the table, Renee Sleger’s team haven’t had a great domestic season so far. Still, that winning mentality comes through. With injury returns incoming for some crucial players like Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, and key goalkeeper Daphne van-Domselaar, Arsenal will still be hoping to get more out of this season, and the confidence from Champions Cup success can only push this team on more and more.
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