Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory descended into violence across France, leading to hundreds of arrests and dozens of injuries as authorities struggled to contain disorder in several cities.
French officials reported that 780 people were detained overnight after clashes erupted in Paris and other locations following PSG’s dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Arsenal FC in the Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary.
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, 57 police officers were injured during the unrest, although most sustained only minor injuries. Authorities said the majority of fans celebrated peacefully, but isolated groups engaged in vandalism, arson, and confrontations with police.
The most significant disturbances occurred around the famous Champs-Élysées avenue and near Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium, where thousands of supporters had gathered to watch the match and celebrate the victory.
Officials said approximately 20,000 fans converged on the Champs-Élysées, with some setting fires, damaging shops, burning vehicles, and destroying public property, including self-service bicycles. Police also reported that a small group attempted to force entry into a police station in Paris’ 8th arrondissement before being dispersed.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that 277 individuals were formally placed in police custody, including 82 minors. Alleged offenses ranged from assaulting police officers and theft to vandalism and public disorder.
One of the most serious incidents involved a vehicle crashing into a restaurant terrace, injuring two people, one of them seriously.
Authorities noted that unrest was not limited to Paris, with incidents reported in around 15 cities across France.
Despite the violence, officials announced that planned victory celebrations would continue. PSG players are scheduled to participate in a public celebration at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower before attending a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Laurent Nuñez warned that law enforcement would respond with “firmness and determination” to any further acts of violence during the celebrations.
The scenes echoed similar unrest following PSG’s previous Champions League success in 2025, when hundreds were arrested and more than 200 people were injured nationwide during post-match celebrations.
While PSG’s victory marked another historic achievement for the club, the widespread disorder has once again raised concerns about crowd management and public safety during major sporting celebrations in France.