Former Manchester United captain and football pundit, Rio Ferdinand, has delivered a bold prediction ahead of this season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finals, ruling out Premier League contenders Arsenal from reaching the final.
The ex-England international believes the final will be contested between French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Italian powerhouse Inter Milan — snubbing Arsenal despite their dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal Set to Face PSG in Semi-Finals
The Gunners, who have stunned Europe with their return to Champions League prominence, produced a commanding performance to knock out 14-time champions Real Madrid in the last eight. Mikel Arteta’s side will now face PSG in the semi-finals — a team they’ve already beaten 2-0 earlier in the competition.
While Arsenal fans are optimistic about a potential first Champions League final appearance, Ferdinand remains unconvinced.
Speaking on his YouTube show Vibe with FIVE, Ferdinand said:
“I’m going to go for a PSG–Inter Milan final, that’s what I think it will be. And I think PSG will win on the day, just.”
Inter Milan to Meet Barcelona in Other Semi-Final Clash
In the other semi-final fixture, Barcelona will go head-to-head with Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan — another matchup brimming with history, rivalry, and European pedigree. Both clubs have produced impressive runs in the tournament, with Inter in particular drawing praise for their tactical discipline and attacking efficiency.
However, Ferdinand sees the Serie A giants edging past Xavi’s Barcelona, who are chasing a first Champions League crown since 2015.
“I would love a Barca–PSG final,” Ferdinand added.
“That would be my ideal final — where you’ve got two front threes who are rolling it back and have got licence to attack people in a systematic, robotic time.”
Ferdinand’s Surprise Omission of Arsenal Sparks Debate
Ferdinand’s dismissal of Arsenal’s chances has sparked a mixed reaction across social media, with fans questioning his rationale given the Gunners’ emphatic performances this season. Arsenal, led by captain Martin Ødegaard and forward Bukayo Saka, have been one of the standout teams in Europe’s elite competition.
They have also shown defensive solidity, creativity in midfield, and ruthless attacking form — all of which contributed to their demolition of Real Madrid, who were widely tipped to go all the way.
However, Ferdinand appears to have more faith in PSG’s superstar lineup and Inter Milan’s tournament experience than in Arsenal’s youthful exuberance.
PSG Hungry for First Champions League Title
Ferdinand’s pick, PSG, are desperate to lift their first-ever Champions League trophy, having come close in 2020 when they lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in the final. Under manager Luis Enrique, the Parisians have evolved into a more balanced side, blending flair with tactical maturity.
Led by Kylian Mbappé — arguably the best player in the world right now — PSG also boast attacking options like Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, and Gonçalo Ramos, supported by a solid midfield engine in Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
This could be the final opportunity for PSG to clinch the title with Mbappé before his expected summer move to Real Madrid.
Inter Milan’s Quiet Confidence
Meanwhile, Inter Milan have been quietly confident under Simone Inzaghi. The Italian club finished runners-up last season, narrowly losing to Manchester City in the final. This year, they have maintained that form, combining defensive organisation with clinical attacking play through Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
They breezed through their group stage and handled their knockout round ties with composure, and many analysts — including Ferdinand — believe they have all the tools to go one better this season.
Arsenal Eyeing History
Despite being overlooked by Ferdinand, Arsenal remain one of the most exciting teams left in the competition. Mikel Arteta has built a cohesive unit that blends youth and experience, and their tactical discipline has allowed them to outperform even the most established European sides.
Their ability to beat PSG earlier in the competition will surely give them confidence heading into the semi-finals. The Gunners are now dreaming of a first Champions League final appearance in nearly two decades — the last being in 2006, when they lost narrowly to Barcelona.
Arteta has insisted that his players are staying grounded.
“We are proud of what we’ve done, but the job isn’t finished. There are two huge games coming, and we have to give everything to reach the final,” the Arsenal boss said following the Real Madrid victory.
Football World Split Over Final Predictions
As the tournament nears its climax, Ferdinand’s prediction has added fuel to the debate over who will lift the coveted trophy. While some fans and pundits echo his thoughts, others believe Arsenal’s form and tactical flexibility make them genuine contenders.
Ferdinand, known for his outspoken takes, has never shied away from making bold calls — but Arsenal will be hoping to prove him wrong on the biggest stage.
The Champions League semi-finals promise high drama, elite football, and narratives that could shape legacies. Whether Ferdinand’s prediction of a PSG–Inter Milan final holds true or Arsenal defies expectations once again remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: football fans around the world are in for a thrilling end to Europe’s premier competition.
