Former West Ham captain Declan Rice scored an incredible double free-kick for Arsenal — and it could have an unexpected knock-on benefit for the Hammers.
Rice curled home a stunning free-kick to put the Gunners 1–0 up against Real Madrid, then incredibly repeated the feat just minutes later. It was hard not to feel pleased for Dec, particularly given the occasion, the opposition, and the sheer quality of both strikes — which were on par with some of the greatest free-kicks ever seen.
Arsenal’s eventual 3–0 first-leg win now puts them in pole position to knock out Real Madrid and advance in the Champions League. The reigning champions looked shell-shocked, and Rice’s England teammate Jude Bellingham could only watch in amazement as Rice took centre stage and all the plaudits on the night.
However, much as it may grate to see the Gooners doing well, there is a potential bonus for West Ham.
When Rice’s £100m transfer to the Emirates was sanctioned in summer 2023, an additional £5m in add-ons was included — based on Premier League and Champions League success.
As reported at the time, if Arsenal win the Champions League during the term of Rice’s first five years at the club, West Ham would be due a payment of £2.5m.
Well done Dec fantastic skill and reward. I don’t see how this hurts us WH fans, he did well. Perhaps JW-P might take a few tips and live up to his hype?
You should change your name to Gunnerpete6
£2.5m .. that’ll buy a quality players left boot
Whoopdi fkn doo !
Another shite night to be a west ham supporter and we weren’t even playing
Rice says that was the best moment in his career so far. Beating Real Madrid meant more to him than winning a European trophy as Captain of West Ham. Got no time for the bloke anymore.
Proud of him, he hammered them in!
I’d rather Arsenal not win the Champions League and not have the £2.5m. If they win that then we will never hear the last of it.
What a dummy. Bitter. near the relegation zone. rent boys
what a dumb sh!+e. picked out 2 people who don’t want your club to win and had a go at them when most everyone else wished Dec well. numpty north londoner
Well done Dec, great performance. Great to see he never kissed the badge though! Had to laugh at the stupid gooners singing Declan Rice he’s one of their own!!
Must be great to watch west ham, season after season. Micky mouse cup. first trophy in your lifetime?
Billy, your bell end, your team wins, and this is your reaction.. bet it’s fun in your house
Opps W⚓️ alert!
So pleased for Dec….
Incredible performance from Dec and his match winning 2 world class free kicks gave Courtois no chance of saving them. Amazing talent and brilliant to see Dec flourishing in top level competition. Always shows his class and respect for our club and I wish him every success.
Well done Dec, fantastic free kicks and a great all round game. Good to see him doing well and hope he gets his wish for a trophy this season, top man.