Madueke responds to penalty criticism as Arsenal celebrate Premier League title

Noni Madueke responded to widespread criticism of his performance in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with a pointed Instagram post during the club’s Premier League title parade through North London on Sunday.

Arsenal lost on penalties to PSG in the Champions League final the previous evening, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães missing their spot kicks. Madueke, who entered the match as a second-half substitute, was not among Arsenal’s five designated penalty takers — a decision that drew significant public backlash given that defender Gabriel did step up.

“Champions! Whilst others are tweeting and posting,” Madueke wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of himself and Declan Rice holding the Premier League trophy. “Thank you God. The glory is yours!”

Rice, who scored his own penalty in the shootout, replied in the comments with characteristic wit: “Jealously everywhere,” followed by four laughing emojis.

The parade itself marked the end of Arsenal’s 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England, with Mikel Arteta’s squad travelling through North London on an open-top bus. Rice used the occasion to issue a direct message to the club’s rivals.

“They laughed. They are not laughing anymore,” Rice told the crowd. “I love this team, I love this manager. To see the joy we can give people is crazy. But next year we are coming back for more. Lock in or get locked out.”

Arteta also addressed supporters lining the streets. “On behalf of the team, this is just amazing to witness,” the Arsenal manager said. “You have created this. This is your moment to make sure that we all enjoy it together. Have a beautiful day. Let’s go, Arsenal!”

Rice had already signalled the squad’s intentions after the final itself. “We are going to use this moment to add fuel to the upcoming seasons,” he said. “Speaking to the players, obviously the manager, there is no reason why we are stopping here. Next season we are going to go even stronger and we are going to be ready again, so it is exciting times for this club.”

Arsenal will begin the 2026-27 season against Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, August 16.