It didn’t happen on a match day. It happened the moment Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth and Arsenal were mathematically confirmed as the 2025/26 Premier League champions. For the first time in 22 years, the Gunners are top of England.

What followed was a worldwide eruption of red.

NORTH LONDON, ENGLAND  · The Epicentre

Tens of thousands pack the streets of North London outside the Emirates Stadium—May 19, 2026 

Tens of thousands poured into the streets of North London, setting off fireworks and flares as chants of “Champions! Champions! Ole! Ole! Ole!” echoed into the early hours.

Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright was spotted celebrating with supporters outside the Emirates, while players at the training ground were filmed jumping and hugging to Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

“22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we’re back where we belong. Champions!” — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Midfielder Declan Rice, who had famously declared “It’s not done” after a defeat to City in April, was proven right. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori turned 24 on the night Arsenal were confirmed champions. The best birthday present in football.

NAIROBI, KENYA  · The CBD turns red

Arsenal fans march through Nairobi’s Central Business District, waving flags and blowing vuvuzelas — May 24, 2026 

Few cities felt the title win harder than Nairobi. Thousands of Gunners fans flooded the CBD, dressed in red and white, waving flags and blowing vuvuzelas.

The Tom Mboya monument became an impromptu fan zone as traders sold jerseys, caps, and Arsenal scarves on every corner. Traffic ground to a halt. The city was theirs.

The celebrations carried a deeply emotional undertone. Fans remembered the late Raila Odinga, a known Arsenal fan who passed away last year and had visited the Emirates Stadium several times. Tributes flooded social media: “Arsenal won it for Baba.”

LAGOS, ABUJA & NIGERIA  · A nation erupts

Fans in Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, and Port Harcourt dance in the streets.

Nigeria went wild. Fans in Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, and Port Harcourt danced in the streets, let off fireworks, and packed viewing centres long after the final whistle.

Nigerian celebrities joined in: musicians Falz and Seun Kuti, comedian AY, and singer Chike all shared their joy publicly online, with Chike posting: “WE DID IT! After 22 years.”

THE REST OF THE WORLD  · A global red party

The Premier League fans on every continent marked the moment—May 2026

Mikel Arteta, who took over in 2019 and rebuilt the club from the ground up, has finally delivered.
After 8,060 days, the wait is finally over. The Gunners are back!