The celebrations were everything and even slightly more than most Arsenal fans were expecting.
When referee Ivana Martinčić signalled the end of play at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Stina Blackstenius embraced, Leah Williamson was bundled on by teammates as she fell to the floor and Alessia Russo was unable to hold back tears in her post-match interview.
They had been written off before a ball had been kicked in Portugal, with many fans, pundits and even ex-players believing that **Renee Slegers**’ inexperience at the helm would make it extremely difficult to overcome a Barcelona side seeking to complete a three-peat of consecutive UEFA Women Champions League titles.
However, in what has been an arduous year, Arsenal have shown resilience on countless occasions. The Gunners endured 15 matches in their journey to European champions, with Katie McCabe smashing the record for most minutes played in a single UEFA women’s club season.
From losses to BK Häcken in qualifying to Real Madrid and Olympique Lyon in the latter stages, Arsenal became the masters at overturning deficits, reflecting their sheer desire to bring silverware to North London.
The final was the epitome; Slegers’ side were forced to remain patient and stay alert for the full 97 minutes, with Barcelona’s star-studded midfield, consisting of Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, testing them with every opportunity.
The centre-back pairing in injury time of Williamson and Wubben-Moy characterised what it means to be a part of Arsenal Football Club.
Both defenders joined the academy as childhood fans, made their debuts before turning 18 and consistently use their profiles to advocate for community programmes and help more girls get involved in football.
Wubben-Moy told fans at the celebration on Monday morning: “Everyone knows this but my auntie used to sing these [Arsenal] chants to me as lullabies. Imagine the childhood I had! What’s even better is every single woman on this stage has lived that with us. And even better, they bleed red.”
It’s not just Williamson and Wubben-Moy that share these feel-good stories. Chloe Kelly admitted that she was close to taking a break from football in January after a bitter ending to her time at Manchester City, but returning to the club that she started her career at put a ‘smile back on her face’.
Head coach Renee Slegers was a member of Arsenal’s academy side when they last won the Champions League back in 2007, but has written herself into folklore, winning the title as the manager 18 years later.
Slegers took over from Jonas Eidevall in October on an interim basis, leading the squad on an unbeaten streak of 11 games. She was appointed as the permanent coach in January, guiding them to the Champions League final and a second-place finish in the WSL.
And captain Kim Little, who signed the year after the Gunners’ previous Champions League success, finally had her moment to lift the coveted trophy aloft alongside her teammates.
“She is what it means to be a captain of this fantastic football club. What she does day in, day out, what you don’t see behind the scenes. She is a massive legend and she is a f***ing legend of this football club,” were the words of an intoxicated Katie McCabe when describing the 34-year-old at the celebration on Monday.
Players, staff, numerous ex-players and key figures associated with the club partied into the night in Lisbon, including a live performance from former captain Alex Scott’s partner Jess Glynne.
There was some disappointment that Arsenal were unable to put together a traditional open-bus parade on Monday to properly celebrate the team’s efforts, but due to the majority of the squad’s international duties, a trophy lift in front of the stadium was deemed the viable option.
With the event scheduled for 10.30am, thousands of fans had already gathered outside of the Armoury hours before, hoping to get a look of their stars on the balcony with the trophy. There were flags, signs and plenty of music as each player was introduced individually to the stage, embracing the warmth of the Arsenal faithful.
“I’ve been educated my whole life and seen it with my own two eyes, seeing how successful Arsenal have been, especially Arsenal Women. All I ever wanted to do was be a part of it. It’s very special,” said a slightly teary Leah Williamson.
“We knew it was going to be a special day, but when we all walked out, we were all talking to each other and saying this is one of those moments. This is one of those that I’m going to tell my grandkids about.
“This is my club. My Arsenal. Champions League winners, European champions. Let’s go!”
However, it was McCabe who took centre-stage at the parade as expected, sunglasses on, standing on a speaker and leading the chants with the fans.
The 29-year-old, who evidently was still feeling the effects of the alcoholic beverages that had awaited them after their success, channelled her inner Jack Wilshere, with anti-Tottenham chants as well as attempting to sing her own and other players’ songs.
“I’ve been with this team for nearly ten years and red is in my blood,” she exclaimed loudly into the microphone.
“This group of girls is everything you need in a team, and that is why we did it on Saturday night in Lisbon with you Gunners!”
While the club football season has now ended, the Arsenal stars will be fighting for international glory in Switzerland this summer. England’s Lionesses will be looking to defend their Euros title after their success at Wembley back in 2022, before Renee Slegers returns to work with ambitions of more trophies in N5 heading into the 2025/26 campaign.