NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton have both predicted that Arsenal will defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final. The blockbuster showdown is set to take place in Budapest on Saturday, with Arsenal chasing their first European crown and PSG aiming to defend their title.
Giannis Backs Arsenal to Edge PSG
Milwaukee Bucks forward Antetokounmpo made his prediction while attending the official UEFA Champions League Festival in Budapest. The Greek basketball icon filled out a prediction card, confidently forecasting a 2-1 victory for Mikel Arteta's side. Wearing a PlayStation x UEFA Champions League shirt, he proudly displayed his verdict to the camera. The prediction quickly went viral on social media, with Arsenal supporters celebrating the backing of one of basketball's biggest stars. Many fans responded by claiming the Greek international "knows football," while others suggested his forecast could be a good omen for the North London club.
Giannis' prediction has surprised many observers, given his previous links to PSG. The Milwaukee Bucks star visited the Parc des Princes in 2020 and was presented with a personalised Paris Saint-Germain jersey. However, the Greek Freak has recently appeared to switch allegiances, notably recreating Viktor Gyokeres' signature celebration, a gesture that has further endeared him to Arsenal fans ahead of the Champions League final.
Hamilton Predicts Comfortable Gunners Win
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton also threw his support behind Arsenal ahead of the final. The British racing legend went even further than Giannis by predicting a convincing 3-1 victory for Arteta's men. Hamilton's allegiance to Arsenal is well documented, making his prediction unsurprising to fans familiar with his football loyalties. The Formula One icon believes Arsenal have what it takes to overcome one of Europe's most dangerous attacking sides and finally secure the elusive Champions League trophy. Hamilton's confidence reflects the growing belief among Arsenal supporters that this could be the season their club finally conquers Europe.
Sports Stars Divided Over Final
While Giannis and Hamilton have backed Arsenal, not everyone in the sporting world agrees. French NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama has instead tipped PSG to retain their European crown. The San Antonio Spurs star's support for the Paris-based club was widely expected given his French roots. The differing opinions among global sports stars underline how finely balanced many believe the contest to be. Both teams enter the final with impressive credentials and plenty of momentum. PSG are aiming to defend the title they won last season after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in one of the most dominant Champions League final performances in recent memory. Luis Enrique's side also arrive as French champions once again, having secured a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title. Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to cap off one of the greatest campaigns in their history. After finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, Arteta finally guided the Gunners back to the summit of English football this year. Now they stand just one victory away from completing a historic double.
Arsenal Defence Faces PSG Firepower
The final has been billed as a battle between the competition's strongest defence and most lethal attack. According to BBC, Arsenal have recorded nine clean sheets in this season's Champions League campaign, more than any other side in the tournament. The Gunners have built their success on controlling possession and limiting opponents' opportunities. PSG, however, have been devastating in front of goal. The French champions have scored 44 goals in the competition compared to Arsenal's 29, per Sofascore. Players such as Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue have been instrumental in PSG's run to the final. The challenge for Arsenal will be finding the right balance between maintaining their defensive solidity and imposing themselves offensively. Arteta will be hoping his side can dominate possession and force PSG onto the back foot in Budapest.
Arsenal Wary of PSG Threat
Legit.ng previously reported that Arsenal legend Paul Merson warned the Gunners about the danger posed by PSG stars Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue ahead of the final. The former England international described both attackers as game-changers capable of deciding the contest on their own, urging Arsenal to keep them quiet if they hope to return to North London as champions of Europe.
