Jack Whitehall returned to Soccer Aid but said he had been up until 3am crying after Arsenal's defeat to PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday
22:50, 31 May 2026
Jack Whitehall
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Arsenal fan and comedian Jack Whitehall(Image: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Arsenal fan Jack Whitehall made a swift return to the UK for Soccer Aid just hours after the Gunners' clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The comedian admitted he had spent the early hours "crying and drinking" alone after witnessing his side's penalty shootout defeat to the French giants.
This year marked Whitehall's comeback to Soccer Aid following a ten-year absence, though the presenter quipped that he was taking to the pitch on "no sleep" in the wake of Arsenal's defeat in Budapest.
Speaking to host Dermot O'Leary on ITV, Whitehall, 37, said: "Not great, I've just flown back from Budapest, I was up until 3am, on my own in the hotel room rewatching the penalty shoot, crying, drinking.
"But it's fine I'm here surrounded by United fans, Tottenham fans, I feel great!"
Whitehall had travelled to Budapest alongside his brother and friends, with the group seeking solace together following the final. Just days after winning the Premier League title and ending a wait of more than two decades, Arsenal faced PSG in the Champions League final.
The French club ultimately triumphed following a penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 following extra time. With nothing to separate the two sides during an additional 30 minutes of extra time, the tie was decided by a penalty shootout, from which PSG emerged victorious.
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missed their spot-kicks for the Gunners, who must settle for the Premier League title. Meanwhile, PSG are celebrating consecutive European triumphs, having also defeated Inter Milan 12 months prior.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said: "Everyone is really disappointed. When you are that close to winning, it is really tough to take. At the same time, we know what we have done this season. And we've achieved something incredible, and we were so close to doing even better today.
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"So we have to see the bigger picture and remember all the good stuff as well. I felt like we controlled the game after getting the first goal. They had the ball a lot, but they didn't create too many chances. In the end, penalties is a tough way to lose."
Soccer Aid, which aired on ITV, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The annual charity football match continues its mission to raise vital funds for global children's charity UNICEF, while bringing together a unique mix of world-class football legends and beloved celebrities.
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney led the England team, which was managed by Angels singer and co-founder Robbie Williams.
Other familiar faces from the footballing world included England women's team stars Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton, alongside former men's England internationals Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Joe Hart.
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Actors Danny Dyer, Tom Hiddleston and Adolescence star Owen Cooper also participated. Television personalities Paddy McGuinness and Sam Thompson were seen on the pitch, alongside former England rugby international Joe Marler.
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Radio presenter Jordan North, podcaster and presenter GK Barry, I'm A Celebrity winner and YouTube star Angry Ginge, and Love Island star Chloe Burrows rounded off the England squad.
For the World XI side, Olympic sprinting legend Usain Bolt served as manager. His squad featured Edwin van der Sar, Michael Essien, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Nitro, Ali Krieger, Jen Beattie, Nicky Byrne, Dermot Kennedy, Chris O'Dowd, Richard Gadd, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.