They saved us from disgrace — Ian wright praises Arsenal women for beating Barcelona to win UWCL

Ian Wright celebrated the Arsenal Women’s team’s triumph over Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, saying that they saved the institution from embarrassment. 

As Pulse Sports reported, on a historic night at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Arsenal Women secured their place in European football history.

They defeated Barcelona 1-0 thanks to a goal from Stina Blackstenius to lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

This victory marks Arsenal’s second European title, their first since 2007, and reaffirms their status as the only British club to win the competition twice. It also ensures the fans of the Arsenal brand end the season on a high note after the men's team finished trophyless. 

“Saved the club from the embarrassment of getting nothing this season when we played so well in the season with the men," Wright said. 

“The ladies have saved the club; we have got something to celebrate. Of course, they need a parade; they have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League [final]; no one gave them a chance. Even I was saying it was going to be tough because they average four goals a game!

“So we needed to score goals to make sure that we beat them; in the end, it was only one, but everybody wrote them off. 

“They deserve everything they are getting, all the accolades because this is a magnificent achievement. Look how far it’s come. I remember the Champions League being at Boreham Wood. Look where we are and Arsenal winning it; it’s amazing!”

Wright is a major media contributor in women's football, a fact that earned him criticism from former Chelsea Women's star, Remi Aluko. She accused Wright of taking opportunities away from women.