Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer and experienced football pundit, has shared his view on **which club could prevent Arsenal from winning the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. While Arsenal have been outstanding in Europe this season, Shearer believes one specific team could stand in their way of lifting the trophy.
Shearer’s comment came as part of his punditry work on Amazon Prime coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League group stage, where he assessed the Gunners’ chances and discussed contenders for Europe’s biggest club prize.
What Shearer actually said
According to reports, Shearer acknowledged that Arsenal have had a very strong campaign in the Champions League so far — but he named Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as the team he thinks might stop them from going all the way.
In simple terms, his view was:
Arsenal have a good chance of being in the latter stages of the Champions League.
PSG, because of their strong squad and recent performances in Europe, are likely to be serious challengers.
Therefore, PSG could be the club that ultimately prevents Arsenal from winning the trophy.
Shearer said that while he thinks Arsenal are capable and confident, he would “edge it with PSG” based on their strength and experience.
🔴Alan Shearer name the team that can stop Arsenal from winning the Champions League this year
📣"There is no doubt that this mob tonight, Arsenal, have got a really good chance of being there, but I just think because of what PSG did last year, the players that they have, I’m… pic.twitter.com/0gCll8NIHu
— Sport Trends247 (@SportTrends247) January 21, 2026
Alan Shearer
Arsenal’s Champions League journey so far
Arsenal have been one of the standout teams in this season’s Champions League campaign. In the group stage:
They went unbeaten through all matches.
They secured seven straight victories, including a 3-1 win at Inter Milan.
That form secured them a top two finish in the group and means they will play the second leg of the knockouts at home — usually seen as an advantage.
This performance has fuelled optimism among fans and pundits that Arsenal could reach the semifinals or final and possibly win their first European Cup.
However, going unbeaten in the group phase and winning the trophy are two very different tasks in the Champions League, where quality opposition in the knockout rounds increases and fine margins often decide matches.
Why PSG are seen as serious challengers
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been one of Europe’s most consistent performers in recent seasons and boast a squad filled with world-class talent. While they have not yet won the Champions League, they have come close and have been a threat in knockout competition.
Shearer’s reasoning reflects a broader football reality:
Knockout football is unpredictable, and teams with experience in big matches often have an advantage.
PSG’s depth and experience in European competition make them strong contenders against any side.
Even if Arsenal are favourites on paper, teams like PSG can upset expectations.
This view is supported by several football analysts who point out that success in the Champions League often hinges on big-game experience and squad strength.
What this comment means for Arsenal
Shearer’s statement is not a dismissal of Arsenal’s ability — rather, it’s a measured pundit opinion based on how European knockout football works.
Three key takeaways:
Arsenal are serious contenders — their unbeaten group run is impressive.
PSG are genuine challengers — capable of beating top teams in crucial moments.
Football is unpredictable — knockout stages can hinge on very small moments and form on the day.
Shearer’s view mirrors what many football experts acknowledge: no team is a guaranteed winner in the Champions League, and Arsenal will need to sustain high performance against elite opposition to succeed.
Alan Shearer
Expert context on Arsenal’s European ambitions
Other football voices have also talked about Arsenal’s European situation in recent months — noting their blend of youth, tactical discipline under Mikel Arteta, and improving squad depth. Analysts say Arsenal are in a good position but still need experience and consistency under pressure to win major continental honours for the first time.
This fits into a broader narrative where Arsenal have grown from being a strong Premier League side into one of Europe’s rising forces — but the final steps toward a trophy often require navigating through seasoned opponents.
As featured on GoonerNews.com