Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the women's team's Champions League triumph has rescued the club from "embarrassment" after the men's side failed to win any silverware this season.
Arsenal upset Barcelona 1-0 on Sunday morning (AEST) to clinch the club's first UEFA Women's Champions League trophy in 18 years.
The victory comes in complete contrast to the men's side, who, despite playing well, have once again come up trophy-less.
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Former Arsenal footballer Ian Wright celebrates the club's UEFA Women's Champions League win with Australia's Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Former Arsenal footballer Ian Wright celebrates the club's UEFA Women's Champions League win with Australia's Kyra Cooney-Cross. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The Gunners' men's side was ousted by Paris St Germain 3-1 on aggregate in their two-legged Champions League semi final two weeks ago and are set to solidify second place on the Premier League table.
Earlier, Arsenal was eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup after losing to Manchester United on penalties, and was defeated in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup by Newcastle United.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the Champions League final, Wright said the women's achievements warranted a parade.
It is a long-standing tradition in football that clubs have a parade to celebrate their victory in Europe. This is becoming more common for women's football teams.
"It's saved the club the embarrassment of not winning anything this season when we've played so well with the men," Wright said.
"The ladies have saved the club. We've got something to celebrate
Arsenal celebrate winning the UEFA Women's Champions League final match against FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Leiting Gao/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Arsenal celebrate winning the UEFA Women's Champions League final match against Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade. Getty
"They need a parade.
"They've beaten Barcelona in the Champions League [after] no one gave them a chance.
"Everyone wrote them off. They deserve all the accolades they're getting because this is a magnificent achievement.
"Look how far it's come. I remember the Champions League being at Boreham Wood, and where they are now, Arsenal winning it. It's amazing."
Arsenal have announced plans to celebrate with a winner's trophy lift in the club's Armoury Square at Emirates Stadium, though capacity will be limited to just 10,000 fans.
Wright, a long-time supporter of the women's side and advocate for women's football, admitted he was bursting with emotion at the full-time whistle.
Striker Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock for the Gunners in the 75th minute with the match-winner, before the visitors were forced to hold their nerve through seven agonising minutes of added time.
The win broke Barca's eight-match winning streak in the Champions League.
"I can't believe it. This is the first time I've watched a game where my heart went funny," Wright said.
"When we scored, I was like, 'Oh my god, this is happening'. I'm delighted for them; no one gave them a chance, especially after the last couple of games.
"I was worried, with the number of goals we were conceding. But everybody did the job. That's what it needed against Barcelona.
"I thought it was going to be one of those games where we create the chances, that we might get punished for this. Because you have to punish this Barcelona side.
"In the end, I thought they didn't turn up, and you have to take advantage of that."
Matildas trio Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, and Kyra Cooney-Cross will arrive back on home soil in the coming days ahead of the national team's two-match series against Argentina during the May/June FIFA Women's International Window.