Celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic UEFA Champions League victory descended into violence and tragedy across France overnight, leaving two people dead and leading to the arrest of over 550 individuals, the French Interior Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
The Ligue 1 champions delivered a 5–0 victory over Italian side Inter Milan in the Champions League final held in Munich, securing the club’s first-ever Champions League title. The triumph triggered widespread jubilation in Paris and beyond, but violence, accidents, and disorder marred the night of celebration.
The epicentre of the festivities was Paris, where thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets, particularly the iconic Champs-Élysées, waving flags, lighting flares, and singing club chants deep into the night.
However, the celebrations spiraled into chaos as large groups clashed with law enforcement. According to the Interior Ministry, 491 individuals were arrested in Paris alone, most for public disorder offenses and possession of illegal fireworks. Police deployed water cannons and riot control units to manage the crowds and prevent access to the Arc de Triomphe, where tensions ran high.
In total, 559 arrests were made across France, with disturbances also reported in cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Grenoble.
Fatalities in Paris and Dax
Tragically, the night was overshadowed by two deaths. A man on a motor scooter was struck and killed by a car in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, just a few kilometers from the Champs-Élysées. Authorities are treating the incident as a traffic accident that occurred amid the heightened movement and congestion caused by the celebrations.
Separately, in the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a gathering related to the PSG victory, prosecutors said. While the attack happened shortly after the match and during public celebrations, officials have not confirmed whether the stabbing was directly linked to the football event. The assailant remains at large, and an investigation is ongoing.
Violence and Injuries in Other Cities
In Grenoble, southeastern France, a car drove into a group of fans celebrating PSG’s win, injuring four people, two of them seriously. Police confirmed that all victims were members of the same family. The driver turned himself in and was taken into custody. According to a source close to the investigation, the incident is not believed to have been intentional, and the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
Fans Celebrate PSG’s Historic Win
Despite the incidents, the vast majority of supporters celebrated peacefully. Over 48,000 fans gathered at Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium, where they watched the match live on giant screens, erupting in applause and chants as the final whistle confirmed their team’s European triumph.
The win, considered the pinnacle of club football, ends PSG’s long pursuit of the Champions League crown and is viewed as a defining moment in the club’s history. Led by manager Luis Enrique, the team’s success was marked by a renewed emphasis on collective play rather than star power.
One fan, 20-year-old Clément, captured the mood of many supporters: “It’s so good and so deserved! We have a song that talks about our struggles, and it hasn’t always been easy. But we got our faith back this year with a team without stars. They’re 11 guys who play for each other.”
National Response and Political Recognition
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the team, calling it a “day of glory for PSG” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He is expected to receive the players at the Élysée Palace on Sunday to personally commend their achievement.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo echoed the sentiment, describing the victory as a “historic win” and praising the team for their dedication and resilience.
According to audience measurement firm Mediamétrie and broadcaster Canal+, an estimated 11.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the final across France, underscoring the national interest in the match.
Victory Parade Scheduled
PSG is set to hold a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées later on Sunday, with tens of thousands of fans expected to turn out. Security measures are being intensified to prevent a repeat of the previous night’s disorder.
