May 21, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Lens shatters Arsenal at Wembley: warmuz recalls the historic 1998 triumph

November 25, 1998, etched itself into football history as RC Lens achieved the unthinkable: a stunning victory over Arsenal at the hallowed grounds of Wembley Stadium. It wasn’t just another match; it was the first time a French club had triumphed on English soil in the Champions League era. Guillaume Warmuz, the former Lens goalkeeper, now 55, shares his vivid recollections of that unforgettable night.

Lens players celebrate their historic Champions League victory over Arsenal at Wembley in November 1998.

a night of firsts and fearless football