Noni Madueke was heavily criticised after Arsenal lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain, having struggled to impact the affair before not taking a penalty in the shootout
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - MAY 30: Noni Madueke of Arsenal FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Noni Madueke has fired back at his critics following Arsenal's victory parade on Sunday. The Gunners rode through North London on an open-top bus with the Premier League trophy in hand after ending their 22-year wait to become champions of England.
Mikel Arteta's side also hoped to become champions of Europe the previous night but fell agonisingly short. Arsenal lost on penalties to holders Paris Saint-Germain, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes missing their spot kicks.
Madueke, a forward, notably wasn't among Arsenal's five penalty takers - unlike defender Gabriel. The 24-year-old, who came on as a second-half substitute, was criticised for not stepping up, but he's now responded in a pointed post on Instagram.
"Champions! Whilst others are tweeting and posting," Madueke wrote alongside a picture of him and Rice holding the Premier League trophy. "Thank you God. The glory is yours!"
In the comments section, Rice cheekily wrote: "Jealously everywhere." The midfielder, who scored his penalty, added four laughing emojis.
Rice also sent a warning to Arsenal's rivals during Sunday's parade. "They laughed. They are not laughing anymore," the England international began.
"I love this team, I love this manager. To see the joy we can give people is crazy. But next year we are coming back for more. Lock in or get locked out."
Arteta gave a short speech to the Gunners' supporters, who lined the streets of North London. "On behalf of the team, this is just amazing to witness," the Arsenal boss said.
"You have created this. This is your moment to make sure that we all enjoy it together. Have a beautiful day. Let's go, Arsenal!"
Arsenal will have the chance to win another trophy in their first game of the 2026-27 season. The Gunners are due to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, August 16.
"We are going to use this moment (losing to PSG) to add fuel to the upcoming seasons," Rice added after the final. "Speaking to the players, obviously the manager, there is no reason why we are stopping here. Next season we are going to go even stronger and we are going to be ready again so it is exciting times for this club."