The streets of Islington were transformed into a vibrant sea of red and white on 31 May, as reports of over 1 million ecstatic Arsenal supporters gathered in North London for a historic champions’ parade. For a club that has spent over two decades chasing English football’s ultimate prize, the afternoon was a euphoric release of twenty-two years of anxiety and suffering. Yet, the event was also an extraordinary display of emotional resilience, coming less than twenty-four hours after an agonising European heartbreak.

Just the night before, Arsenal’s dreams of a historic continental double were cruelly shattered in Budapest. In a gruelling UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta’s men fought bravely to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, but ultimately lost 4-3 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Videos uploaded to social media showed the moment Arsenal fans' hearts sank as their team went unbeaten throughout the tournament, only to see the biggest European trophy taken away after 5 penalty attempts.

Football short memory

Author: Diogo Machado;

However, football has a remarkably short memory, and true passion refuses to be diminished. By 2 pm on Sunday, 31 May, any lingering tears from Hungary had evaporated, replaced by the roaring chants of "Championes!" The Islington parade was a huge victory lap for a magnificent domestic campaign.

Arsenal captured the 2025/26 Premier League title with a game to spare, finishing ahead of relentless rivals Manchester City and hoisting the trophy at Selhurst Park. It marked their 14th top-flight championship and their very first since Arsène Wenger’s legendary "Invincibles" went unbeaten in 2004. Arteta’s side proved to be unbeatable down the stretch, relying on a rock-solid defence anchored by William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and a Golden Glove-winning season from goalkeeper David Raya.

Open-top bus parade

The open-top bus parade showcased both the men’s and women’s teams, celebrating their collective silverware and cultural impact through North London. Families, lifelong supporters, and young children lined the pavements, climbing lampposts, bus stops, ice cream trucks and even buildings just to get a glimpse of heroes like Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard.

As the buses made their way through the packed borough around the Emirates Stadium, players threw merchandise into the crowds while fans ignited red flares that painted the London sky. Mikel Arteta, who has now firmly cemented his legacy as one of the club’s great modern tacticians, looked visibly emotional as he thanked the adoring masses.

Painted red

Author: Diogo Machado;

Not only the streets but also train stations and airports around London were “painted red” as Arsenal fans around the world came to attend the historic celebrations. Stansted Airport was filled with Arsenal shirt-wearing travellers throughout the whole weekend. The sheer scale of the turnout proved that while trophies are won on the pitch, a club's true greatness is also measured by the unwavering loyalty of its community.