The euphoria of victory quickly descended into widespread unrest: Paris SG secured the Champions League final title on Saturday evening, triumphing over Arsenal after a penalty shootout (1-1 after extra time, 4-3 on penalties). Immediately following the final whistle, the jubilant celebrations were overshadowed by outbreaks of violence and property damage, particularly notable across Paris.

As the match concluded, the Parc des Princes, filled to capacity and broadcasting the game on six massive screens, erupted in a blaze of fireworks on the pitch and continuous roars of triumph. Over 48,000 ardent PSG supporters chanted “Champions d’Europe,” “Ici c’est Paris,” “Luis Enrique,” and celebrated a potential “back-to-back” victory.

Joy and tensions

A formidable security operation saw approximately 22,000 police and gendarmes deployed nationwide, with 8,000 dedicated to Paris and its surrounding metropolitan area. Despite this extensive presence, the toll of the night was severe, with 219 individuals injured, eight of whom sustained grave wounds. Furthermore, 57 law enforcement officers, including police and gendarmes, were among the injured, with one officer in Agen reportedly in serious condition.

Tragically, a fatal accident occurred around 1:10 AM. Witnesses recounted seeing a motocross rider collide head-on with concrete barriers. This unfortunate incident took place on the outer ring road’s exit ramp near Porte Maillot, an area that had been barricaded with one-meter-high concrete blocks, which authorities confirmed were “clearly signposted.” The male individual, born in 2002, was pronounced deceased at 2:20 AM. An investigation into the circumstances of his death has been initiated.

Later, around 4 AM, an attempted homicide was reported in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Four individuals armed with knives were involved. Responding officers discovered a 17-year-old male with severe injuries to his eye and mouth, bleeding profusely. His condition was critical, and he had fallen into a coma before being transported to a Parisian hospital. The assailants managed to evade capture.

In total, Laurent Nuñez confirmed 780 arrests nationwide. Beyond Paris, other cities experienced significant disturbances, including Grenoble, where numerous acts of vandalism were reported during a tumultuous night, and similar incidents were noted in Dijon and Besançon.

100 000 people expected on the Champ-de-Mars

Near the Parc des Princes in Paris, approximately 150 individuals attempted to breach an entrance but were successfully repelled by law enforcement personnel, according to police prefecture reports.

As the Eiffel Tower illuminated the night sky in celebration of the victory, nearly 100,000 fans are anticipated to gather on the Champ-de-Mars on Sunday afternoon to honor the Parisian players and staff. Following this public celebration, the team is scheduled to visit the Élysée Palace and return to the Parc des Princes later in the evening.