- Ben White and Leandro Trossard could win the Champions League with Arsenal
- Both played key roles during Brighton’s rise in the Premier League
- Their success reflects Brighton’s reputation for developing elite talent
As Arsenal prepare for the biggest match in European club football, two former Brighton & Hove Albion players could soon add a UEFA Champions League winners’ medal to their collection.
Ben White and Leandro Trossard both played significant roles in Brighton’s rise from Premier League newcomers to European challengers before making the move to North London. Tonight, they have the chance to become Champions League winners with the Gunners.
Ben White’s rise from Brighton academy prospect to Arsenal star
White’s journey began in Brighton’s academy after being released by Southampton at the age of 16.
The defender’s route to the top was far from straightforward. Loan spells at Newport County, Peterborough United and Leeds United helped him develop into one of England’s most highly-rated young centre-backs.
His spell at Leeds during the 2019/20 Championship-winning campaign proved particularly important. White played every league game as Marcelo Bielsa’s side secured promotion to the Premier League, earning widespread praise for his composure, passing ability and defensive maturity.
Brighton resisted several bids from Leeds and handed White a new contract ahead of the 2020/21 season. He quickly established himself in Graham Potter’s side, making 39 appearances in all competitions during his breakthrough campaign.
White helped Brighton secure memorable victories over Liverpool and Manchester City and was named the club’s Player of the Season after an outstanding first full Premier League campaign.
His performances earned England recognition and attracted attention from several top clubs before Arsenal completed a £50 million move in the summer of 2021.
Since arriving at the Emirates, White has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, operating at both centre-back and right-back as Arsenal emerged as title challengers under Mikel Arteta.
How Leandro Trossard became one of Brighton’s best signings
Trossard arrived from Genk in the summer of 2019 and quickly became one of Brighton’s most exciting attacking players.
The Belgian scored on his debut against West Ham United and spent three-and-a-half seasons producing moments of quality for the Seagulls.
He developed a reputation for delivering in big matches. Trossard scored winners against Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Brentford, while also finding the net against Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Perhaps his most memorable Brighton performance came at Anfield in October 2022 when he became the first Brighton player to score a Premier League hat-trick, helping the Seagulls earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
Across 121 appearances for Brighton, Trossard scored 25 goals and provided numerous crucial contributions during one of the club’s most successful periods in the Premier League.
His time at the Amex ended in January 2023 following a well-publicised disagreement with then-manager Roberto De Zerbi, but his impact on the club’s progress remained significant.
READ MORE: How Alexis Mac Allister became Brighton’s first World Cup winner – Read Brighton
Brighton’s influence on Europe’s biggest stage
Arsenal moved quickly to secure his signature and Trossard has since become an important part of Arteta’s squad.
Tonight, White and Trossard have the opportunity to cap remarkable journeys from Brighton players to European champions, providing another reminder of the Seagulls’ ability to develop talent capable of performing on football’s biggest stage.
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