Less than a year ago, over 5,000 Arsenal fans signed a petition with the hashtag #NoToMadueke, demanding the club abandon its pursuit of the Chelsea winger. On June 17, 2026, that same player started for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia, won a penalty, and helped deliver a 4-2 victory in Dallas.
72 minutes that justified the price tag
Noni Madueke played 72 minutes against Croatia, and he made nearly every one of them count. The 24-year-old winger won the penalty that Harry Kane converted, created two chances, and completed 94% of his passes, going 18-for-19 on the night.
He also went 1/1 on dribbles. Not a stat that screams volume, but it speaks to something Thomas Tuchel clearly values: decision-making. Madueke picked his moments instead of trying to skin his man every time he touched the ball.
The 4-2 scoreline gives England a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
