Mikel Arteta delivered one of the most unexpectedly hilarious moments of his managerial career during yesterday’s press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.
The Arsenal boss casually leaned into the internet’s latest absurd meme, the “67” trend.
The moment came mid-presser, likely in response to a question about player fitness.
Arteta broke into a repetition of “six seven, six seven,” flashed a grin, and explained that his three sons have been showing him the trend at home.
Though a journo tried to ruin the moment by asking Arteta about the fitness updates on Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, who both posses 6 letters in their last and first names respectively –
Arteta: "6 7 6 7.. that's what my kids show me!" pic.twitter.com/YYmUFhqg89
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) February 6, 2026
The “67” meme is pure internet absurdity with people gesturing “six seven” using their hands in an exaggerated way. It has no meaning. It’s just silliness that exploded on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X in early 2026.
For a high-profile manager to reference it unprompted was peak unexpected crossover content.
Arsenal fans, already riding high at the top of the Premier League, latched on immediately. “Arteta doing 67 before GTA 6,” joked an X user.
Arteta’s comment painted a picture of his household with wife Lorena Bernal, former model, actress, and spiritual life coach, and their three sons: Gabriel (16), Daniel (13), and Oliver (10).
In an era where managers are often portrayed as robotic tacticians, Arteta showed he’s plugged into what his kids and younger fans are obsessed with.
The eldest, Gabriel Arteta Bernal, has already stepped into the spotlight. A winger for Arsenal’s Under-17s, he’s featured in the Premier League Cup (including a 3-3 draw against Watford in October 2025) and friendlies against sides like Shrewsbury Town.
In 2023, a then-14-year-old Gabriel was spotted during Arsenal’s US pre-season tour, collecting balls and assisting the coaching staff. Now regularly turning out for the U17s at Hale End, he’s adding a proud father-son narrative to Arsenal’s academy story.
Mikel Arteta may be plotting tactical masterclasses on the training pitch, but off it, he’s just a dad trying to keep up with Gabriel, Daniel, and Oliver’s internet obsessions.
