Declan Rice Named in UEFA Champions League Team of the Season After Sensational Campaign

Declan Rice has been named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season following a series of commanding displays that helped drive Arsenal deep into the tournament.

The announcement came on Monday, with UEFA’s Technical Observer Group singling out Rice for his consistency, composure, and match-defining moments.

The recognition caps off a stellar European run for the England international, who featured in 12 of Arsenal’s 13 Champions League fixtures, starting 11 and completing 90 minutes in seven.

Key Performances That Turned Heads

Rice’s standout moment came in Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 home victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg, where he netted two jaw-dropping free-kicks.

His set-piece precision and midfield dominance were instrumental in dismantling the Spanish giants.

He also provided a key assist for Gabriel Magalhães during a 5-1 thrashing of Sporting CP in the group stage and scored the winner in a tightly contested 1-0 triumph over Dinamo Zagreb.

His contributions continued in the Round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven, where he played a pivotal role across both legs.

A Testament to Arsenal’s European Rise

Rice’s inclusion highlights Arsenal’s growing presence on the European stage under manager Mikel Arteta.

Although the Gunners fell short of lifting the trophy, their performances against elite clubs showcased their development and ambition.

“He’s been immense for us,” Arteta said earlier this season. “Declan brings a calm authority to the midfield and his goals in the Champions League show he’s more than just a defensive anchor.”