The Ireland international played a key role in Arsenal’s shock victory over Barcelona and said the club’s long-suffering fans were front of mind at full-time.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Katie McCabe of Arsenal lifts the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy after her team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Katie McCabe dedicated Arsenal’s Champions League triumph to the supporters after a 1-0 win over Barcelona in Lisbon, and had to apologise live on air after swearing in the emotion of the moment.
“We suffered together,” McCabe told TNT Sports. “Barcelona threw everything at us, but we fought together and we got there. This was for our fans today. We are all European champions. It’s amazing.” As the adrenaline took over, she added, “I’m just so f——” before catching herself and quickly saying, “Sorry for swearing, I’m just buzzing.”
Leah Williamson, who lifted the trophy with Kim Little, had a similar moment during her own post-match interview. “I’m gonna f—— cry,” she said, overwhelmed, before also apologising.
Nobody cared and everybody understood.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Chloe Kelly and Katie McCabe of Arsenal celebrate after defeating FC Barcelona during the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Arsenal secured their second European title, and their first since 2007, thanks to a 74th-minute goal from Stina Blackstenius, who finished low into the bottom corner after a clever reverse pass from Beth Mead. The goal came just seven minutes after both had come off the bench.
Barcelona dominated possession, as expected, but Arsenal’s shape and discipline were outstanding. Daphne van Domselaar made crucial saves to deny Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina, while Katie McCabe, Emily Fox and Williamson all made key defensive interventions.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Katie McCabe of Arsenal lifts the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy after her team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Arsenal had a goal ruled out in the first half, when Irene Paredes turned into her own net, only for VAR to rule Frida Maanum half a leg offside in the build-up. Maanum also forced Cata Coll into a fingertip save from long range.
After the final whistle, McCabe reflected on her journey since joining the club in 2015. “When I first came to the club, I was a young, naive kid who came over from Dublin. To be here now is just an unbelievable feeling.
“This was for our fans today. We are all European champions. It’s amazing.”
Arsenal are still the only English club to have won the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and now they’ve done it twice.
Over 5,000 Arsenal supporters were in Lisbon to witness the moment, and for McCabe, there was no doubt where the credit lay. “This was for them,” she said.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Fans of Arsenal display a banner which reads "We all follow the Arsenal over land and sea" prior to the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
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