Two-time Champions League winner Andrea Pirlo has shared his prediction for the 2026 Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest.
The Italian legend featured in 108 Champions League matches, including four finals, giving him a unique understanding of the pressures that come with such occasions.
Pirlo also knows the heartache of defeat, most notably in the 2005 final against Liverpool in Istanbul, where his Milan side surrendered a three-goal half-time lead.
Despite his experience of dramatic finals, Pirlo believes the gap between Arsenal and PSG is far narrower than that infamous night in Istanbul all those years ago.
Speaking to Football.London, Pirlo tipped PSG to retain their European crown in Budapest but stopped short of dismissing Arsenal’s chances entirely.
“I think it will be a great final. PSG have a slight advantage, but only because they’re more used to playing this sort of final. But I think Arsenal have a chance too.”
Pirlo was also full of praise for PSG manager Luis Enrique, describing the Spaniard as the standout coach in European football at present.
“Yes, I think so. Right now, he’s the best, and he has proved it in Barcelona and over the last few years in Paris.”
Should PSG retain their Champions League crown, Luis Enrique would join an exclusive group of coaches to have lifted the trophy three or more times.
Arsenal manager Arteta ended 22 years of hurt by winning the Premier League title, and could complete a historic league and cup double within the space of a single week.
Pirlo was generous in his assessment of Arteta’s achievements since taking over from Unai Emery in 2019, highlighting the sustained process of building a competitive squad.
“He has done a great job. Not only because this year he won the Premier League and reached the final, but it’s already been a few years since he started his work building a young squad with a certain type of football, and now he is reaping the fruits of his work.”
The two Spanish coaches go head-to-head in Budapest representing clubs from France and England, in what promises to be a clash of contrasting styles and philosophies.
Pirlo’s verdict ultimately favours the French champions, though he acknowledges Arsenal’s growing pedigree and their unbeaten run across Europe this season.
