The 2026 UEFA Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna was settled by fine margins — a deflection off a post, a penalty under pressure, a miss that will live long in the memory. Here is our detailed player-by-player verdict from both camps.
Paris Saint-Germain
Matvey Safonov — 7/10
Not a goalkeeper who demands attention with acrobatic saves but was composed and authoritative throughout. Could not have done anything about Havertz’s finish and made sharp stops in extra time. A solid, unspectacular night.
Achraf Hakimi — 8/10
When PSG needed someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck, it was usually Hakimi on the right who did it. His overlapping runs caused Arsenal’s midfield constant headaches, and his defensive discipline when Arsenal broke was excellent. One of PSG’s most consistent performers.
Marquinhos — 7/10
Led by example at the back, making a crucial block to deny Havertz a second and organising his defence calmly despite going behind early. His attempt to console Gabriel Magalhães — his Brazilian compatriot — at the final whistle was the most human moment of the night.
Willian Pacho — 7.5/10
Quick to intervene, made several well-timed blocks during Arsenal’s brief attacking surges, and covered well when Mosquera gave away the ball. A quietly excellent night from the Ecuadorian international.
Nuno Mendes — 6/10
Missed his penalty in the shootout and that will define his night for most. In open play he was active and dangerous going forward, with several recovery runs saving potential counters. The spot-kick miss hurts.
Fabian Ruiz — 7/10
The Spain midfielder was everywhere in the first hour, constantly shuttling between lines and making PSG’s passing patterns tick. Sacrificed for Zaire-Emery in extra time, but his contribution to PSG’s period of ball dominance was significant.
João Neves — 8/10
The most technically complete player on the pitch for long stretches. His ability to receive in tight spaces and play out of pressure kept PSG calm when Arsenal’s pressing threatened to pin them back. Will be a Ballon d’Or contender within two seasons.
Vitinha — 6.5/10
His movement created space for others but he was quiet in the final third. Managed the game well without controlling it.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — 8.5/10
The match’s stand-out performer when the game was at its most open. Won the penalty that brought PSG level. Hit the post with a ferocious finish. Created the overloads that gave PSG their best moments in the second half. Unstoppable at his best.
Ousmane Dembélé — 7/10
Ballon d’Or credentials on full display with the coolest penalty of the night, side-footing past Raya with ice in his veins. Fitness visibly faded in extra time; he was substituted before penalties. The goal may prove to be his most important in a PSG shirt.
Désiré Doué — 6.5/10
Started brightly with some clever touches in tight areas but faded as Arsenal’s discipline held firm. Showed glimpses of the talent that makes him one of French football’s brightest young stars.
Arsenal
David Raya — 7.5/10
Made himself the emotional engine of Arsenal’s shootout preparation, collecting the ball and handing it personally to each taker with encouragement. Pulled off a crucial save to deny Nuno Mendes in the shootout. Could not have done more.
Piero Hincapié — 8/10
Arsenal’s best defender on the night. Aggressive in his tackling, composed on the ball, and even drove forward on occasions to create overloads. One of the game’s genuine surprises.
William Saliba — 6.5/10
Caught out once or twice by PSG’s pace in behind but his reading of the game helped Arsenal maintain their structure. A solid if occasionally uncertain performance.
Gabriel Magalhães — 7.5/10
Brilliant in the game itself — perfectly timed tackles, excellent aerial dominance, and a commanding presence that kept Arsenal’s shape intact for over an hour. Then came the penalty. His effort over the bar ended the game, and he will need support from everyone around him to process that moment.
Myles Lewis-Skelly — 8/10
Eighteen years old in a Champions League final and he looked the most comfortable player on the pitch at times. His deflection onto the post from Kvaratskhelia’s shot was enormous. A star is very much in the making.
Declan Rice — 8/10
Arsenal’s warrior in midfield. Covered every blade of grass, won aerial duels, broke up PSG’s rhythm repeatedly, and then stepped up to convert his penalty with complete composure. The best English defensive midfielder of his generation.
Martin Ødegaard — 6/10
A quiet final for the captain. His first-time pass to release Havertz for the opening goal was the highlight of his night. Sacrificed tactically immediately after PSG’s equaliser.
Leandro Trossard — 7/10
His relentless pressing in the first minute led directly to Havertz’s goal — an assist in all but name. Never stopped working defensively. Deserved more recognition than he will likely receive.
Bukayo Saka — 6/10
A frustrating night for England’s most exciting forward. Booked for a challenge on Doué. His delivery from the right was teasing but Arsenal rarely had the numbers ahead of the ball to convert it. Substituted before extra time.
Kai Havertz — 8/10
Scored one of the most important goals of his career. His run from the halfway line and clinical finish set the tone for a match Arsenal so nearly won. A performance full of desire and intelligence even when the game moved away from him.
