Wayne Rooney Picks Arsenal as His Champions League Favorites

Wayne Rooney praises Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona but insists Arsenal remain his Champions League favourites this season.

Wayne Rooney has named Arsenal as his Champions League favourites even after Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. The Manchester United legend applauded Chelsea’s resurgence but believes the Gunners are the strongest contenders for Europe’s biggest trophy.

Chelsea delivered one of the shocks of the Champions League season by dismantling Barcelona 3-0.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Estevão opened the scoring before Liam Delap doubled the lead with a clinical finish. A Jules Kounde own goal sealed a dominant win for the Blues, who were competing in the Conference League just last season.

The result pushed Chelsea into the Champions League top eight and secured automatic qualification for the knockout stages.

Rooney, a Champions League winner in 2008, labelled Chelsea’s display “absolutely incredible.” He praised Marc Cucurella for shutting down teenage star Lamine Yamal, calling it one of the best defensive performances he has seen in years.

Rooney’s Prediction

Despite Chelsea’s impressive surge, Rooney believes Arsenal remain the team to beat.

He pointed to Arsenal’s perfect group-stage record and their position at the top of the Premier League. Rooney said the Gunners’ blend of youth, experience, and consistency under Mikel Arteta gives them “a good chance” of lifting the Champions League this season.

Barcelona’s struggles continue to raise questions. Last season they were favourites but crashed out in the semi-finals to Inter Milan. Their loss to Chelsea adds further doubt about their ability to compete at elite European level.

Chelsea have risen fast, moving from Conference League winners to real Champions League contenders. Their win over Barcelona shows they are no longer outsiders.

Rooney chose Arsenal for the trophy because they appear strong and well-rounded. Their form suggests they could finally turn domestic dominance into European success.

Barcelona, once giants of Europe, now face questions over squad depth, tactics, and mentality.
Conclusion

Wayne Rooney’s verdict adds extra intrigue to an already electrifying Champions League campaign. Chelsea’s victory over Barcelona was a clear statement, but Rooney’s confidence in Arsenal highlights how fiercely Premier League clubs are now competing for European supremacy.

In simple terms: Chelsea impressed, but Rooney believes Arsenal are the team destined to lift the Champions League trophy.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.