Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal’s Premier League title with Lauren Fryer and their son Jude on the pitch at Selhurst Park after the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, following a triumphant trophy presentation that came after their confirmation as champions.
Declan Rice didn’t just lift the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park — he shared the moment up close, on the pitch, with the people who have been closest to him all season.
After Arsenal were crowned champions for the first time in 22 years. Rice was joined in the celebrations by his girlfriend. Lauren Fryer. and their son Jude as they posed for family photos following the trophy presentation. Fryer. 27. was also among the family members of Arsenal stars invited onto the pitch. adding a rare. personal edge to a day defined by football noise and huge stakes.
The scene came after Arsenal confirmed their title status last week following a stumble from title rivals Man City, who faltered by drawing with Bournemouth. Yet the trophy itself still needed to be earned on the final day — and Arsenal did it by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
Fryer’s presence carried extra weight because she has previously been targeted by cruel and abusive chants from rival fans over her appearance. That abuse was strong enough that she wiped all posts from her Instagram page in 2024, and it has led to calls for fans responsible to be banned.
Rice and Fryer’s on-pitch photographs were taken after Arsenal’s players toasted their long-awaited triumph. Mikel Arteta’s squad celebrated in front of a packed Arsenal away end, and the Kroenke family — Arsenal’s owners — were also seen lifting the Premier League trophy.
Arteta described the moment as something he had tried to replay in his mind. “It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “I’ve been trying to go through this moment a few times. but I could never expect it to be that big. to be that beautiful. and to see so much joy and pride amongst all the people and our supporters.”.
He added that the speed of events has made the achievement feel even more striking. “I think sometimes you need to reflect on that, because everything has happened so fast and in such a special way as well. But I really want to enjoy this moment, at least today.”
Then, with the championship already sealed, Arteta turned his gaze to what comes next. “Tomorrow we’ll start to prepare for the final in Budapest, and I can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our football club.”
Arsenal’s title run finished on 85 points, six clear of their nearest rivals Manchester City. The final-day swing began late: City, with a much changed side, were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in Pep Guardiola’s final match in charge.
For Rice, the title was part of a campaign that made him one of the central figures in Arsenal’s return to the top. His influence was reflected when he was shortlisted for the Player of the Season award, though he missed out to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Rice featured in 36 of Arsenal’s league matches during the season. Still. on the final day. he spent the duration of the match against Crystal Palace on the bench — a contrast to the celebrations that followed. where he was at the heart of the family moment and stood among Arsenal’s most visible figures after the trophy presentation.
As Arsenal now prepare for their next test, the focus shifts quickly. The club begin preparations for the Champions League final next weekend against PSG. with the showpiece scheduled for May 30 in Budapest. Arsenal will be hoping to win the competition for the first time in their history. with PSG arriving as reigning champions.
The day’s story had two layers running at the same time: football’s final whistle at Selhurst Park and. for Rice and Fryer. a public celebration after a season clouded by abuse aimed at her. Under the bright spotlight of a Premier League trophy. the family photos looked like the kind of personal victory that doesn’t get filmed often — but once it happens. it’s hard to miss.
Declan Rice Lauren Fryer Arsenal Premier League title Selhurst Park Crystal Palace Mikel Arteta Kroenke family Champions League final PSG Budapest Jude
Crazy how people chant about appearance like it’s normal.
Did they really let the gf and kid on the pitch?? I mean good for them but I feel like the fans are gonna be wild about it anyway. Also, wiping Instagram posts in 2024?? That’s just sad.
I’m confused, I thought Arsenal won the title already last week, so why are they celebrating again at Selhurst Park? Like doesn’t the trophy come automatically? Man City drawing with Bournemouth sounds fake to me lol.
Good on Rice for keeping it personal, but the chants thing is messed up. Rival fans are always acting like it’s “banter” but then she wipes her IG like she had to. Banning people who do that seems like the bare minimum. Also Arsenal hasn’t won in 22 years right, so of course everyone went to extremes.