For the First Time in His Career, a German Referee Will Officiate the Champions League Final

2025/26 Champions League Final

According to Главком: German official Daniel Siebert will lead the refereeing crew for the 2025/26 Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The match is scheduled for May 30 at the Puskás Arena in Budapest. This marks the first European club final for the 42-year-old referee, who previously oversaw the 2015/16 UEFA Youth League final.

During the current season, Siebert has been entrusted with 33 matches across various competitions, including nine Champions League fixtures. He has issued 136 yellow cards and four red cards, as well as awarded 12 penalties. He will be assisted by fellow German linesmen Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn, while Swiss referee Sandro Schärer will serve as the fourth official. Spanish assistant Guadalupe Porras Ayuso will act as the reserve assistant referee. The VAR system will be managed by Germans Bastian Dankert and Robert Schröder, with support from Spain's Carlos del Cerro Grande.

Final History and Participants

For Arsenal, this final is the second in the club's history; in 2006, the team lost 2–1 to Spain's Barcelona. In the 2025/26 Champions League final, Arsenal will be designated as the nominal away team. The Puskás Arena in Budapest is also notable for hosting the 2023 Europa League final, where Sevilla defeated Roma on penalties.

Additionally, half of the participants for the 2026/27 Champions League group stage have already been confirmed. Four representatives from Spain's top division, along with three teams each from England and Germany, have secured their spots. These include:

• Arsenal
• Manchester City
• Manchester United
• Inter Milan
• Barcelona
• Real Madrid
• Villarreal
• Atlético Madrid
• Bayern Munich
• Borussia Dortmund
• RB Leipzig
• Paris Saint-Germain
• Lens
• PSV Eindhoven
• Feyenoord
• Porto
• Galatasaray
• Shakhtar Donetsk

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was named Champions League Player of the Week. He started in the second leg against Atlético Madrid, where his team secured a 1–0 victory, with Rice playing the full 90 minutes. It is also worth noting that defender Illia Zabarnyi became the fifth Ukrainian footballer to reach a Champions League final, the first being current UAF President Andriy Shevchenko.

The 2025/26 Champions League final carries significant weight for both clubs, as Arsenal seeks redemption for their previous defeat, while Paris Saint-Germain aims to solidify their dominance in European football. The officiating crew led by Daniel Siebert also draws attention, as this is his first final-a milestone that could shape his career. The involvement of players like Declan Rice and Illia Zabarnyi underscores the final's importance not only for the clubs but also for their respective national football communities. Meanwhile, the early confirmation of next season's Champions League participants adds intrigue to future competitions, with teams already preparing for new challenges.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming final, it's interesting to note that Illia Zabarnyi is poised to make his mark in this prestigious tournament, following the intense clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. This match not only showcases top-tier talent but also highlights the competitive landscape of European football. For more insights on Zabarnyi's anticipated performance, check out this article on his Champions League final prospects here.