Newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal will attempt to make history when they face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2026 UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.
The Gunners are bidding to win Europe’s biggest club prize for the first time, while PSG are aiming to become the first club outside Real Madrid to successfully defend the Champions League title in the modern era.
The €100 Million Payday
The winners of Saturday’s final will receive approximately €25 million in prize money, while the runners-up will earn around €18.5 million.
When bonuses from the league phase, knockout rounds, match victories, and broadcasting revenue are added, total earnings for the eventual champions could exceed €100 million.
Arsenal Chasing Historic Double
After ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, Arsenal now have the opportunity to complete a famous domestic and European double.
Only three English clubs have previously achieved the feat of winning the English top-flight title and the European Cup or Champions League in the same season: Liverpool (1976/77 and 1983/84), Manchester United (1998/99 and 2007/08) and Manchester City (2022/23).
Mikel Arteta’s side have been outstanding throughout the competition, winning all eight league-phase matches before progressing through the knockout rounds.
A Bukayo Saka goal proved decisive as Arsenal edged Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals to book their place in their first Champions League final since their defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
PSG Eye Back-To-Back European Crowns
Luis Enrique’s PSG have once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of Europe’s most dangerous teams.
The French champions thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final to lift their maiden Champions League title and have eliminated Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich on their way to Budapest.
PSG boast the most prolific attack in this season’s competition, scoring 44 goals and falling just one short of Barcelona’s all-time Champions League scoring record of 45 goals set during the 1999/2000 season.
The Parisians have failed to score in only one Champions League match this season and arrive in Hungary having found the net in 27 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Key Players To Watch
Arsenal will once again look to England winger Bukayo Saka for inspiration, while captain Martin Ødegaard and midfield anchor Declan Rice are expected to play crucial roles.
For PSG, much attention will focus on Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has registered 10 goal involvements in the knockout stages — the most of any player in the competition this season.
The winger has also become the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive Champions League knockout appearances during a single campaign.
Prediction: PSG Slight Favourites
While Arsenal’s defensive solidity has been one of their greatest strengths, PSG’s experience and attacking depth could prove decisive.
The Gunners have conceded only one goal from open play in six knockout matches and have seen under 3.5 goals land in each of their last 19 matches across all competitions.
However, PSG have shown they can combine attacking flair with defensive resilience, notably protecting a narrow aggregate advantage against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
According to Opta’s prediction model, PSG have a 56 per cent chance of lifting the trophy compared to Arsenal’s 44 per cent.
Predicted Result:
The French champions’ firepower and experience in high-pressure European fixtures may ultimately give them the edge, although Arsenal’s organisation and discipline should ensure a tightly contested final.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
