Arsenal’s Declan Rice didn’t just score two free-kicks against Real Madrid—he painted a masterpiece. The second of his two stunning set-pieces, a thunderbolt that kissed the top-right corner of Thibaut Courtois’ net, didn’t just secure a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final victory.
Ignoring the set-piece coach’s call to cross, and helped by teammate Bukayo Saka’s “Go for it,” Rice curled a beauty around the wall, leaving Courtois grasping at air.
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, stood with hands on head, mirroring the disbelief of 60,000 fans. Even Real’s Kylian Mbappé, caught on camera, gave a nod of respect.
Rice, who had never scored a direct free-kick in 338 professional games, had just become the first player to net two in a Champions League knockout match. “I’m speechless,” he admitted post-match, still processing the “magic” of it all.
The Viral Screenshot
By the next morning, clips of Rice’s free-kicks were flooding social media, racking up millions of views. But one grainy image stood out: a perfectly timed screenshot of the second goal, capturing the ball mid-flight, slotted perfectly at the top-right corner along with a back shot of Saliba. The frame was cinematic.
The screenshot sparked a phenomenon, earning the ultimate accolade: “Hang it in the Louvre.”
The Louvre reference, a nod to the Paris museum housing the Mona Lisa, is football’s seal of approval, reserved for moments of beauty like Lionel Messi’s solo runs, Zinedine Zidane’s volleys, and now Rice’s free-kick.
The Mona Lisa Makeover
The internet wasn’t done there. An anonymous Arsenal fan (or perhaps a neutral art enthusiast) saw the screenshot and had a vision. Using Photoshop wizardry, they transformed the image into a Renaissance-style painting –
— Out Of Context Football (@nocontextfooty) April 10, 2025
The 26-year-old midfielder is often praised for his work rate over flair. Against Real Madrid, he silenced doubters, revealing a hidden weapon. His decision to shoot, defying instructions, was a moment of instinct and courage.
The Mona Lisa edit tapped into this underdog spirit. Like Leonardo’s subject, Rice’s goal carried an air of mystery: How did he do it? Where did this come from?
