“Madueke goes from rejected to England starter after a dream season.”

A total turnaround that few predicted: less than a year ago, Arsenal fans organized a petition with thousands of signatures to prevent the signing of Noni Madueke — and today, the 24-year-old winger is not only a Premier League champion but also an undisputed starter for Thomas Tuchel’s England team at the World Cup. Madueke’s meteoric rise, from the target of ridicule on social media to a key player on one of the biggest stages in world football, is leaving England in ecstasy and silencing critics both inside and outside the Emirates.

It all started last summer when Madueke swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in a controversial transfer worth around £50 million. The hashtag #NoToMadueke ignited social media, with many fans questioning the amount invested in the winger. However, less than twelve months later, Madueke was instrumental in helping the Gunners secure their first English championship title in 22 years, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Now, the story repeats itself, but in an even bigger setting: Tuchel entrusted him with the right side of the English attack in his debut against Croatia, relegating Bukayo Saka, his teammate, to the bench due to fitness issues.

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The 4-2 victory against Croatia not only confirmed Madueke’s excellent form but also highlighted his direct influence on the attacking play of the Three Lions. The winger won the penalty that allowed Harry Kane to open the scoring and stood out for his ability to unbalance opponents in one-on-one situations. Madueke touched the ball five times in the opponent’s area, completed all the dribbles he attempted, and, alongside goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, was the player who delivered the most passes to Harry Kane. This performance is beginning to justify the millions invested in him and could have direct consequences for the attacking hierarchy of the England national team.

This rise of Madueke has profound implications for Arsenal and for England. At the London club, the winger has transitioned from a used substitute—starting only 16 matches in the league due to fierce competition with Saka and a knee injury—to a key player on big nights, as seen in the Champions League final, where he replaced Saka and brought energy to the attack, despite the defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. On the international stage, his emergence as a starter presents a tactical dilemma for Thomas Tuchel, who will have to manage two of the best English wingers currently.

Bukayo Saka, who reached his 50th international cap precisely against Croatia, acknowledged the uniqueness of the situation: “It’s unique, I don’t really know how it works, but it works,” confessed the Arsenal player about the healthy rivalry with Madueke, before assuring that their relationship is one of true brotherhood off the pitch. Their friendship is such that they refer to each other as “brothers,” but the battle for the starting position promises to heat up as the World Cup progresses.

Thomas Tuchel, for his part, did not hold back in praising his new preferred winger: “Madueke can be a ‘difference-maker’, he has a one-on-one imbalance ability that few possess,” said the German coach ahead of the tournament. The manager made a point of assembling a team in the image of what is seen in the Premier League: physically robust players, capable of delivering intensity and depth, with Harry Kane at the center and wingers like Madueke and Anthony Gordon always ready to exploit the opposition’s defensive flanks.

The way Tuchel will manage the coexistence of Madueke and Saka throughout the competition is now one of the main stories to follow. Arteta, at Arsenal, has already shown tactical creativity by using Madueke on the left and Saka as a number 10, allowing both to shine at the same time. It remains to be seen whether Tuchel will risk a similar solution, especially in the more demanding matches of the World Cup.

For now, Madueke has earned the right to be in the starting eleven and should maintain that status in the next group stage match. The pressure is increasing, expectations are high, but the coach’s confidence and the winger’s performance levels suggest that Arsenal may have not only an English champion on their hands but also one of the biggest stars of this World Cup. Madueke’s story is a lesson for all fans: in football, everything can change in a few months — from persona non grata to national hero, glory is always just around the corner.

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