Paris Saint-Germain’s second consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph sparked widespread celebrations across France on Sunday, as tens of thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Paris to welcome home the newly crowned European champions.
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The French giants returned from Budapest after defeating Arsenal 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday night, securing another historic European title and igniting scenes of jubilation across the country.
Thousands of fans waving French and PSG flags lined major roads in the capital as the team travelled from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, where players presented the Champions League trophy to supporters.
The squad was later received by French President Emmanuel Macron before heading to the Parc des Princes Stadium for a final celebration attended by more than 40,000 fans.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by violence and disorder reported in Paris and several other French cities overnight.
French authorities said one person died during the festivities after a motorcycle accident on the Paris ring road. Officials also reported multiple attacks, including stabbings, while clashes between police and groups of youths led to widespread arrests and injuries.
According to the Interior Ministry, 780 people were arrested nationwide, while 57 police officers and 219 civilians sustained injuries. Eight of the injured were said to be in critical condition.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed that incidents of looting were recorded in about 15 cities across France, with several vehicles set ablaze and shops vandalised during the unrest.
Municipal workers were deployed early Sunday to clear debris, damaged bus shelters, burnt vehicles, and broken glass from Paris streets ahead of the team’s arrival.
Reacting to the disturbances, President Macron described the violence as “unspeakable” and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
“PSG is an immense pride for France, but we are tired of this violence. We will be ruthless with those who have been arrested,” he said.
The unrest also sparked political reactions across the country.
Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire downplayed the scale of the violence, insisting that the overwhelming majority of supporters celebrated peacefully.
“In most cases, people celebrated with their families and friends. It was an extraordinary celebration,” he said, adding that isolated incidents often accompany major public events.
The local authority responsible for the Champs-Élysées district took a different position, describing the avenue as having transformed from a celebration venue into what it called an “arena of urban guerrilla warfare.”
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised the situation, stating on social media that football victories in France too often result in public disorder.
Valérie Pécresse, head of the Greater Paris region, also condemned those involved in the violence, accusing them of damaging the image of both Paris and France.
In response to security concerns, authorities deployed approximately 6,000 police officers across central Paris for Sunday’s victory celebrations.
Despite the heightened security presence, supporters continued to gather throughout the day, chanting, singing, and celebrating PSG’s latest European success.
PSG captain Marquinhos and forward Ousmane Dembélé received loud cheers from fans as they lifted the Champions League trophy before the crowd gathered at the Champ-de-Mars.
Addressing supporters, Dembélé expressed confidence that the club could continue its dominance in Europe.
“We will be back next year for a third title,” he said.
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi also appealed for calm during the celebrations.
“Please celebrate peacefully today. We must protect our city,” he told supporters.
For many fans, the celebrations marked another unforgettable chapter in the club’s history as PSG strengthened its position among Europe’s elite football teams.
With two consecutive Champions League titles now secured, attention is already turning to whether the French champions can extend their dominance and pursue a third successive European crown next season.
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