Joe Cole backs Real Madrid to win Champions League, dismisses Arsenal hopes
Joe Cole, former England winger, told TNT Sports that he believes Real Madrid will win the 2026‑27 Champions League, arguing that no Premier League side—including champions Arsenal—will lift the trophy this season. Speaking on the competition’s opening night, Cole pointed to Jose Mourinho’s return to the Madrid bench, the potential integration of Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior’s decision to stay as key factors that give the Spanish club an edge.
Arsenal, who secured their first Premier League title since 2004 last season and reached the Champions League final where they lost to PSG on penalties, begin their UCL campaign on Wednesday evening against Napoli. The Gunners have started the new league season with wins over Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea, and are joint favourites alongside Barcelona and PSG, yet Cole remains skeptical of their European chances.
For Nigerian football fans who follow the Premier League and Champions League, this prediction shapes discussion around which teams to back, influences betting choices, and highlights the stakes of Arsenal’s Wednesday fixture. Knowing Cole’s reasoning—Mourinho’s tactics, Mbappé’s form, Vinícius’ presence—can help you form your own view or decide how to engage with the upcoming matches.
Will you side with Cole’s Real Madrid pick, back Arsenal’s quest for continental glory, or look elsewhere for your Champions League predictions this season?