Jack Whitehall has revealed that he flew back to the UK from Budapest after staying up until 3am drinking and crying over Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The comedian, who returned to Soccer Aid after a decade away, joked that he was heading onto the pitch on no sleep following the Gunners' loss on penalties.
Whitehall's Emotional Night
Speaking to host Dermot O'Leary, the 37-year-old said: 'Not great, I've just flown back from Budapest, I was up until 3am, on my own in the hotel room rewatching the penalty shoot, crying, drinking.' He added: 'But it's fine I'm here surrounded by United fans, Tottenham fans, I feel great!' O'Leary jokingly comforted Whitehall as he pretended to cry over the defeat.
Whitehall had traveled to Budapest with his brother and friends to watch the match. Arsenal, who had just won the Premier League for the first time in over two decades, faced PSG in the Champions League final. After a 1-1 draw and extra time, PSG won on penalties, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missing for the Gunners. PSG celebrated back-to-back European crowns, having beaten Inter Milan the previous year.
Arsenal Captain's Reaction
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told TNT Sports: 'Everyone is really disappointed. When you are that close to winning, it is really tough to take. At the same time, we know what we have done this season. And we've achieved something incredible, and we were so close to doing even better today. So we have to see the bigger picture and remember all the good stuff as well. I felt like we controlled the game after getting the first goal. They had the ball a lot, but they didn't create too many chances. In the end, penalties is a tough way to lose.'
Soccer Aid 2026
Soccer Aid, airing on ITV, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The charity match raises funds for UNICEF. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney led the England team, managed by Robbie Williams. The England squad included women's stars Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton, former men's players Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, and Joe Hart, as well as actors Danny Dyer, Tom Hiddleston, and Owen Cooper. TV personalities Paddy McGuinness, Jack Whitehall, and Sam Thompson also took part, along with former rugby player Joe Marler. Radio presenter Jordan North, podcaster GK Barry, YouTuber Angry Ginge, and Love Island star Chloe Burrows completed the lineup.
The World XI side was managed by Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and featured players such as Edwin van der Sar, Michael Essien, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Nitro, Ali Krieger, Jen Beattie, Nicky Byrne, Dermot Kennedy, Chris O'Dowd, Richard Gadd, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
