Is this just a divine coincidence, a fluke or just another internet conspiracy?
“Every time a Pope has passed away, an English team has won the Champions League.”pic.twitter.com/TxlUBkCYvY
— Total Football (@TotalFootbol) May 8, 2025
Let’s start with the history:
In 1978 not one but two Popes died: Paul the VI and John Paul I. That same season Liverpool won the European cup, now called the Champions league, at Wembley against Club Brugge.
27 years later, in 2005 Pope John Paul II died after more than 26 years as Pontiff. Liverpool won the Champions league after being down 3-0 at half time against AC Milan and taking the victory on penalties – the conspiracy starts to form.
Although Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, he passed away in 2022, this year it was Manchester City who won the Champions league for the first time and brought he trophy back to England beating Inter Milan 1-0.
Now that Pope Francis has died, focus has suddenly returned to the British Isles. You might be thinking, “But no English team is playing in the final in Munich later this month.” Think again, you are mistaken.
Arsenal women are playing their first ever Champions League final in Lisbon, facing reigning champions and Catalan powerhouse FC Barcelona, a strong contender who have proven themselves to be tough to beat especially on the biggest stage.
Barcelona come in as the favourites, they are clinical, experienced and know how to perform under pressure. However, Arsenal come into this final with less pressure and everything to gain. Could freedom be their hidden weapon?
Could this pattern of Papal departures and English triumphs extend to the women’s game?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: All eyes will be on Lisbon. And if Arsenal win the trophy, this odd connection may be more than a coincidence.
