BREAKING: Arsenal’s Sixth Penalty Taker For The Champions League Final Shootout Has Been Revealed
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According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday June 3, 2026, A fresh detail has surfaced regarding Arsenal’s penalty shootout sequence in Budapest following their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with growing debate over how the order of takers was decided.
Much of the scrutiny has focused on why defender Gabriel Magalhães ended up taking the decisive fifth penalty instead of more established takers, a decision that has been widely discussed in the aftermath of the loss.
Manager Mikel Arteta has since clarified that Gabriel volunteered for the responsibility, while regular penalty options such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz had already been substituted before the shootout began.
The match itself swung dramatically, with Arsenal missing a second penalty through Eberechi Eze, before goalkeeper David Raya briefly kept them alive by saving Nuno Mendes’ effort in the third round of kicks.
However, the decisive moment came when Gabriel stepped up for the fifth attempt but failed to convert, sending his shot over the bar and confirming PSG as Champions League winners in heartbreaking fashion.
Reports have also revealed that Noni Madueke was originally designated as Arsenal’s sixth penalty taker, according to journalist James McNicholas, though the shootout never reached that stage.
Madueke, who had impressed after coming on and troubled PSG’s defence, was reportedly not among the initial five takers, despite being a £52 million attacking signing.
Gabriel’s leadership qualities were praised for volunteering in a high-pressure moment, but questions remain over whether a natural attacker should have taken the responsibility instead of an unused defender.
In hindsight, many believe Arsenal’s decision-making in the shootout may have altered the outcome, with fine margins ultimately denying them a chance of European glory.
