Paris was set alight with celebration and chaos after Paris Saint-Germain clinched their first-ever Champions League title, but the night quickly spiraled into unrest, leaving many questioning how festivities turned so violent.
As jubilant fans flooded the Champs-Élysées and other iconic Parisian streets late Saturday, the city’s atmosphere shifted. Fireworks and cheers soon gave way to smashed bus shelters, burning vehicles, and confrontations with riot police. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and water cannons to control the swelling crowds, as thousands of supporters and bystanders were caught in the turmoil.
Authorities reported 491 arrests in Paris alone, with the nationwide tally reaching 559. The violence left two people dead: a man killed in a vehicle collision in Paris and a 17-year-old stabbed in Dax, though officials have not definitively linked these deaths to the football chaos Additionally, nearly 200 people were injured, including civilians and police officers.
While most fans celebrated peacefully, a significant minority engaged in vandalism and looting, with high-end stores on the Champs-Élysées targeted. Police described groups of “troublemakers” provoking incidents, launching fireworks and other projectiles at officers.
The unrest has sparked a political response, with France’s Justice Minister calling for tougher penalties for public disorder and attacks on police in the wake of the riots Meanwhile, PSG’s victory parade went ahead under heightened security, as tens of thousands gathered to welcome their champions back to the capital.
The night’s events have reignited debate in France about crowd control, fan behavior, and the persistent tensions between youth and police in the capital’s streets As investigations continue, Parisians are left reflecting on a night that was meant to be historic for football, but became unforgettable for far darker reasons.
