Paris plunged into chaos Saturday night as wild celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory spiraled out of control, leaving two people dead, nearly 200 injured, and over 500 arrested, according to France’s Interior Ministry.
Following PSG’s stunning 5–0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final — their first ever in club history — the streets of Paris erupted with euphoric fans. But the celebration quickly descended into violence, particularly around the iconic Champs-Élysées, where thousands gathered.
What began as joy and jubilation turned volatile. According to official figures released Sunday morning, 559 people were arrested nationwide, with 491 of them in Paris alone. Out of those, 320 remain in custody, including 254 in the capital.
The scene on the Champs-Élysées — a favorite spot for public celebrations — resembled a battleground by midnight. Riot police clashed with unruly fans as bus shelters were shattered, projectiles were thrown, and bonfires were lit in the streets. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
By morning, over 200 cars had been set ablaze, and hundreds of fires were reported across the city. The Interior Ministry also confirmed that 22 police officers and seven firefighters sustained injuries during the unrest.
The fatalities linked to the celebrations have not yet been officially explained, but authorities are investigating both incidents.
This violent aftermath threatens to overshadow what was a monumental moment for French football. PSG’s dominant performance in the final marked a long-awaited triumph for a club that has spent years chasing European glory. The city’s mood turned from euphoria to despair in mere hours, as emergency services worked through the night to restore order.
French authorities had already anticipated potential trouble and deployed additional police units, but the scale and intensity of the violence appeared to exceed expectations.
As questions now turn to accountability, there’s growing criticism over public safety preparations for such a major event. Some are calling for a review of how authorities manage large-scale sports celebrations, especially in densely populated urban centers like Paris.
While PSG fans are still basking in the club’s long-awaited victory, the joy is now tinged with tragedy and concern. Paris is left to clean up the damage — physically, emotionally, and politically — from a night that was meant to be remembered for triumph, not turmoil.
