At a Glance:
Arsenal fans upset with duo instead of Gabriel Magalhaes after PSG’s win.
Fans accuse Arsenal pair of shirking responsibility in the Champions League final.
Bad look for two of Mikel Arteta’s big names.
All Gabriel Magalhaes can do is focus on Arsenal’s parade on Sunday and the 2026 World Cup with Brazil now as his missed penalty is what led PSG to win back-to-back Champions League trophies.
Rio Ferdinand sent his support to Gabriel but it will be hard to make the Brazilian international feel better when his skied spot-kick is what settled the contest in the Parisians’ favour.
Marquinhos consoled Gabriel as well, who was tearful in the aftermath of the contest.
However, Arsenal fans were upset with Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke on X for not stepping up to take penalties in the shootout against PSG.
Arsenal fans angry at Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke for not taking penalties vs PSG
One Arsenal fan did not mince his words when discussing Zubimendi and Madueke after Arsenal tasted defeat against PSG, writing: “Madueke and Zubimendi both hiding is honestly embarrassing. Centre-backs should be the last to take a penalty.”
Madueke and Zubimendi both hiding is honestly embarrassing. Centre-backs should be the last to take a penalty.
— Ahmed 🏆 (@Afc_ahmed_) May 30, 2026
Another supporter also called Eberechi Eze out for missing the target completely, stating: “For me, there are two non-negotiables for pens: 1) Never attempt an elaborate run-up. 2) Never allow your CB (centre-back, unless a technician) to take a pen when midfielders or attackers are available. Eze, Zubimendi, Noni – not acceptable. At this level, it’s simply unacceptable.”
For me there are two non-negotiables for pens:
Never attempt an elaborate run-up.
Never allow your CB (unless a technician) to take a pen when midfielders or attackers are available.
Eze, Zubimendi, Noni – not acceptable.
At this level it’s simply unacceptable.
— Mo (@MoArsenal86) May 30, 2026
A third Arsenal fan accused Madueke and Zubimendi from shirking responsibility against PSG, as they simply wrote: “I wonder why Madueke and Zubimendi ducked taking penalties.”
I wonder why Madueke and Zubimendi ducked taking penalties.
— Mazi Olisaemeka C. ™ (@OlisaOsega) May 30, 2026
Another fan was far from happy with the Gunners duo, stating: “Zubimendi and Madueke, cowardly behaviour, letting a CB take a penalty while you hide.”
Zubimendi & Madueke coward behaviour letting a CB take a penalty while you hide
— D🎭🐉🏆 (@vantee_spartaa) May 30, 2026
Lastly, a fifth Arsenal fan had similar thoughts about Madueke and Zubimendi as PSG clinched victory in the Champions League final: “Zubimendi hiding again. I wonder why he and Madueke were not among the first five penalty takers.”
Zubimendi hiding again. I wonder why he and Madueke were not among the first five penalty takers.
— Ifreke Inyang (@Ifreke) May 30, 2026
It’s safe to say the pair will be regretting their decisions.
Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke showed poor mentality in the Champions League final
It is hard to disagree with the aforementioned Arsenal fans as an attacker like Madueke and a technically gifted midfielder like Zubimendi should have avoided Gabriel taking a penalty against PSG.
However, neither of them seemingly stepped up and watched a centre-back take an appalling spot-kick.
While both Madueke and Zubimendi are quality players, their decision to watch the action unfold instead of stepping up themselves is reflective of a poor mentality.