Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that Arsenal have the potential to win the Premier League title this season, giving his backing to the North London club.
Arsenal’s impressive start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign has drawn high-profile attention, with rival legend Cristiano Ronaldo offering his surprising verdict that the Gunners have a legitimate shot at the title.
The North London club currently sits six points clear at the top of the table following their 2-0 victory over Burnley, maintaining their pace ahead of Manchester City. Ronaldo’s comments came during his latest interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
When pressed on whether Mikel Arteta’s side could win their first league title in 22 years, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star conceded that it was a possibility in the unpredictable English top flight.
“Could be, it’s possible. I think the Premier League, the level of the teams it’s very very similar, the top ones,” Ronaldo stated. “I mean, with the Premier League you never know what’s going to happen, it’s very difficult, very tough league.
But Manchester not going to win the league for sure, because they have so many points behind right now. It’s possible yes, but I don’t believe on that. Arsenal, probably.”
After the initial assessment, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was pushed by Arsenal fan Morgan for a more definitive answer. Morgan challenged him: “I need the big dog to give us the yes, let’s see it come out of your lips “yes, Arsenal will win the league.”
Ronaldo eventually replied: “Yes, Arsenal can win the league.”
The positive forecast comes as Arsenal’s title charge is being built on an exceptional defence. Arteta’s men have been the strongest defensive unit in the division, conceding just three goals across 15 matches in all competitions, including seven consecutive clean sheets.
Defence expert Mick Brown previously suggested that Arsenal’s strength from set pieces also makes them strong title favourites.
The club is currently navigating an injury crisis, with star striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Gabriel Martinelli both targeting a return after the November international break ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.
The renewed focus on Arsenal also brought up the historical near-miss of Ronaldo joining the club in 2003 before his £12 million move to Manchester United. Speaking in a 2019 interview, Ronaldo admitted he was “Very close. One stop, incredible. Seriously,” to signing for the Gunners.
He even offered a jokingly apology to Morgan: “I want to apologise, OK. Forgive me for not joining Arsenal.”
Now playing for Al-Nassr and closing in on 1000 career goals, fans can only wonder how different Arsenal’s trophy cabinet might look had the young Portuguese superstar chosen North London over Manchester two decades ago.