In a night that will be etched into Arsenal’s storied history, Declan Rice delivered a masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu, propelling the Gunners to a stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The 2-1 win in the second leg on April 16, 2025, secured Arsenal’s place in the semi-finals, and Rice’s commanding presence earned him high praise from England teammate Jack Grealish, who sent a succinct four-word message: “What a player, Dec!” This heartfelt nod from the Manchester City star underscored Rice’s emergence as a global force and highlighted the camaraderie between two of England’s brightest talents.
Rice, Arsenal’s £105 million record signing from West Ham in 2023, has long been a linchpin for Mikel Arteta’s side, but his performances against Real Madrid elevated him to new heights. In the first leg at the Emirates, the 25-year-old midfielder stole the show, scoring twice with breathtaking free-kicks to secure a 3-0 lead. His composure from set pieces, a skill honed under Arteta’s meticulous coaching, left the 15-time Champions League winners reeling. In the second leg, Rice was equally immense, anchoring the midfield with relentless energy and tactical nous. His critical interventions, including a protested penalty incident where he insisted, “I didn’t touch him!” to referee Francois Letexier after a VAR review involving Kylian Mbappe, showcased his leadership under pressure.
The Bernabeu clash was a spectacle of high drama. Arsenal, trailing early after a controversial penalty, rallied with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, whose clinical finishes silenced the Spanish giants. Rice’s ability to outshine Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, a fellow England star, drew particular attention. “He’s announced himself on the world stage,” Arteta declared post-match, beaming with pride. Rice’s dominance frustrated Bellingham, who was reportedly incensed by the Arsenal man’s control, a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits alike. The victory, Arsenal’s first semi-final berth since 2009, set up a tantalizing clash with Paris Saint-Germain, prompting Rice to issue a bold message: “We’re ready for anyone.”
Grealish’s message, shared via social media, reflected the deep bond forged through their time with England. “What a player, Dec!” he wrote, a nod to Rice’s relentless drive and versatility. The two have a history of mutual admiration, with Rice previously praising Grealish’s flair, saying, “He’s got something really special as a football player.” Their friendship transcends club rivalries, evident in past exchanges, like when Rice congratulated Grealish on the birth of his daughter, Mila Rose, in 2024. Despite Arsenal and Manchester City’s fierce Premier League battles—both teams are neck-and-neck in the 2025 title race—their camaraderie remains unshaken.
Rice’s journey to this moment has been one of steady ascent. Once a versatile midfielder at West Ham, he’s evolved into a world-class No. 6, blending defensive grit with attacking flair. His free-kick heroics against Real Madrid, celebrated by former England goalkeeper Joe Hart as “unreal,” marked a new chapter in his career. Off the pitch, Rice’s leadership shone through in his post-match reflections. “This is what we dream of—big nights like this,” he said, addressing Arsenal fans who erupted in celebration at the final whistle. His words carried weight, echoing his ambition to compete at the highest level, a goal he voiced during the 2022 World Cup: “I want to play in the Champions League.”
For Grealish, Rice’s exploits are a reminder of the talent within England’s ranks. The Manchester City winger, who has faced his own challenges this season, including a rotational role under Pep Guardiola, knows the demands of elite competition. His message to Rice was more than a gesture—it was recognition of a player peaking at the perfect moment. As Arsenal gear up for PSG, Rice’s performances have sent a message to Europe’s elite: the Gunners, and their midfield maestro, are a force to be reckoned with. For now, Grealish’s four words encapsulate the sentiment of a football world captivated by Rice’s brilliance.