Sport

Arsenal to Wear Home Kit in Champions League Final Against PSG

The Gunners will don their iconic red and white strip for the showpiece event, marking a historic first.

4 min
Arsenal to Wear Home Kit in Champions League Final Against PSG
The Gunners will don their iconic red and white strip for the showpiece event, marking a historic first.Credit · Football London

Key facts

  • Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League final.
  • Arsenal will wear their home kit, a red and white strip.
  • Paris Saint-Germain will wear their home kit, a blue strip.
  • The final is scheduled for May 30th at the Puskas Arena.
  • Arsenal has only previously appeared in a Champions League final wearing yellow.
  • Bayern Munich's progression would have forced Arsenal into an alternative kit.
  • Arsene Wenger believes the trophy belongs at the Emirates Stadium.

Kit Clash Averted for Arsenal in European Decider

Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are poised to contest the Champions League final later this month, a fixture that has clarified a crucial detail: the kits each team will wear. Arsenal, having secured their place in the final, will have the opportunity to don their celebrated home colours. This decision avoids a potential kit clash that would have seen the North London club forced into an alternative strip. The Gunners' path to the final, which included topping their League Phase group, guaranteed them home advantage in all second-leg ties. However, this designation meant they were classified as the 'away' team for the final itself. This classification typically dictates the away dressing room and a lower position on the scoreboard. Crucially, it also means Paris Saint-Germain are permitted to wear their traditional home kit. The French champions' predominantly blue ensemble presents no conflict with Arsenal's iconic red and white home strip, ensuring both finalists can proudly display their primary colours on the European stage.

A Historic First for the Gunners' Colours

The impending final at the Puskas Arena on May 30th marks a significant moment for Arsenal's history in European football's premier competition. For the first time in their club's existence, the Gunners will have the chance to play in a Champions League final wearing their famous red and white kit. This contrasts sharply with their sole previous appearance in the final, where they were seen in a yellow strip. The possibility of wearing yellow again was averted by PSG's progression, as a hypothetical final against Bayern Munich, who favour red, would have necessitated Arsenal selecting one of their alternative kits. This ensures a visually striking spectacle, with Arsenal's red and white set to stand out against PSG's blue. The shirts are also expected to feature unique detailing commemorating the specific fixture, a common practice for major finals.

Managerial Perspectives on the Finalists

The build-up to the final has also seen commentary from prominent figures associated with both clubs. Arsene Wenger, the legendary former Arsenal manager, has expressed his belief that the Champions League trophy rightfully belongs at the Emirates Stadium. However, he acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Paris Saint-Germain, recognising them as strong opponents. Paris Saint-Germain's manager, Luis Enrique, has also shared his views on Arsenal and their current manager, Mikel Arteta. Having guided his team to the final, Enrique's insights offer a glimpse into the strategic considerations from the French champions' dugout. Meanwhile, within the Arsenal squad, player sentiments are also being aired. Declan Rice, a key midfielder, has spoken about his time at West Ham United, his former club, while emphasizing Arsenal's immediate focus on their domestic responsibilities, including an upcoming match against his old team.

The Puskas Arena Stage and Kit Debuts

The Puskas Arena in Budapest will serve as the grand stage for this European showpiece. The date, May 30th, is now etched into the calendars of football fans anticipating a thrilling encounter between two of Europe's elite clubs. An intriguing sub-plot to Arsenal's kit decision involves the potential debut of their next season's home shirt. The club has a recent history of unveiling new home kits before the conclusion of the current campaign. This practice raises the possibility that the 2026/27 home kit could make its maiden appearance in the Champions League final. Regardless of whether it is the current or next season's design, the core visual identity of red and white will be present. This continuity in their primary colours provides a sense of tradition and identity for Arsenal as they compete for European glory.

The bottom line

  • Arsenal will wear their home red and white kit in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
  • This marks the first time Arsenal has worn its primary colours in a Champions League final.
  • Paris Saint-Germain will also wear their home blue kit.
  • The final is scheduled to take place on May 30th at the Puskas Arena.
  • A hypothetical final against Bayern Munich would have forced Arsenal into an alternative strip.
  • Arsene Wenger believes the trophy should go to Arsenal but respects PSG's strength.
Galerie
Arsenal to Wear Home Kit in Champions League Final Against PSG — image 1Arsenal to Wear Home Kit in Champions League Final Against PSG — image 2Arsenal to Wear Home Kit in Champions League Final Against PSG — image 3
More on this