How 3 Arsenal players could miss out on Premier League medals
By Joel Masibo, May 24, 2026Arsenal are set to lift the Premier League trophy, marking the club’s first league triumph since 2004. However, despite being part of the title-winning squad, three players could end the season without receiving winners’ medals on Sunday, May 24, 2026, because of league regulations.
The North London side sealed the championship after Manchester City dropped points in a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The result handed Arsenal an unassailable lead at the top before the final round of matches.
Supporters across the globe erupted in celebration after the club finally ended its long wait for league glory. Arsenal players and fans partied deep into the night on Tuesday following confirmation of the title success.
The official presentation ceremony is expected to take place after Arsenal’s closing fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with the encounter carrying little significance to the Gunners.
Medals uncertainity
Even with the celebrations ongoing, some members of the squad remain uncertain about receiving medals. Premier League rule C.13 states: “These are to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit, provided that any Player who has entered the field of play in a minimum of five of its League Matches that Season.”
Among the players at risk is Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance this campaign. The Spanish goalkeeper has mainly featured in domestic cup competitions while understudying Golden Glove winner David Raya.
Even if Arrizabalaga appears in Arsenal’s final match of the season, he would still fall short of the required five league appearances.
Youngsters Marli Salmon and Tommy Setford are also in danger of missing out, having only participated in cup fixtures without making league appearances.
Still, Arsenal may be able to award medals to those players because the Premier League allocates 40 medals to the champions. So far, only 24 Arsenal players have met the five-match requirement, leaving additional medals available for distribution. Meanwhile, celebrations over Arsenal’s title success spread far beyond England.