Arsenal players were busy across the globe during the September 2025 international break. Sixteen senior players and three academy prospects represented their countries. From goals and assists to defensive masterclasses, there were plenty of highlights for the Gunners.

England and Hale End Prospects

Declan Rice led the way for England in a 5-0 win over Serbia. He controlled midfield, added two assists, and set the tone with his energy. Noni Madueke also stood out, scoring once and creating another. His pace and direct play gave England a real threat. Eberechi Eze earned minutes but had less impact, while teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly gained valuable senior squad experience.

Arsenal’s academy stars also impressed for England’s youth teams. Ethan Nwaneri scored for the Under-21s and picked up a Player of the Match award. Max Dowman looked sharp for the Under-19s in a draw with Spain. Goalkeeper Jack Porter enjoyed a clean sheet on his Under-19 debut. These young players showed Hale End’s pipeline remains strong.

Spanish Midfield Magic

Spain enjoyed the contributions of three Arsenal men. Martin Zubimendi kept play ticking with tidy passing and calm control. David Raya travelled as part of the squad but did not feature. The standout was Mikel Merino, who scored a superb hat-trick against Turkey. His late runs and clinical finishing caught the eye, and his display was widely praised back home.

Ødegaard Leads by Example

Martin Ødegaard enjoyed another fine break with Norway. He scored once and provided two assists in an 11-1 thrashing of Moldova. His vision and leadership remain key for his national side, just as they are for Arsenal.

Jurrien Timber also made headlines by returning to action for the Netherlands. He featured in matches against Poland and Lithuania, showing composure and sharpness after his injury layoff. For Sweden, Viktor Gyökeres worked tirelessly in attack, linking play and pressing defenders even without a goal to show for his efforts.

Mixed Fortunes Elsewhere in Europe

Belgium used Leandro Trossard in several attacking roles. He came close to scoring and created chances for teammates. Italy called up Riccardo Calafiori, who did not play this time, but his place in the squad shows he is part of their long-term plans.

South American Highlights

In South America, Piero Hincapié impressed for Ecuador in a 1-0 win over Argentina. He made key tackles and interceptions to help shut down elite opposition. His calmness under pressure was a major reason for the victory.

Brazil also leaned on Arsenal’s talent. Gabriel Martinelli started against Chile, troubling defenders with his pace before coming off after 71 minutes. Gabriel Magalhães anchored the defence and helped keep a clean sheet in the 3-0 win. Both players looked sharp and confident in their roles.

A Memorable Debut

One of the biggest moments came for Maldini Kacurri. The 18-year-old defender made his senior debut for Albania. It capped a rapid rise from youth football to international recognition and added another exciting milestone for Arsenal’s young talents.

A Positive Outlook for Arsenal

The break brought strong performances from both experienced leaders and emerging prospects. Rice, Ødegaard, Madueke and Merino were among the standouts. Timber’s return and Hincapié’s form gave further reasons to be optimistic. Academy stars Nwaneri, Dowman and Porter also showed the future remains bright.

Crucially, the squad returned to London with no major injuries. Players gained rhythm, fitness, and confidence, while supporters were treated to goals and memorable moments. For Mikel Arteta, the challenge now will be to harness this momentum as Arsenal resume their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

The September 2025 international break proved to be more positive than disruptive. Arsenal’s influence stretched across Europe and South America, from experienced internationals to teenagers breaking through. With so many players returning in strong form, the club is well placed to carry that energy into the crucial months ahead.