PSG’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Arsenal (1-1 a.p., 4-3 t.a.b.) sparked immediate jubilation—and chaos. Violent clashes and vandalism erupted across Paris just minutes after the final whistle.

The Parc des Princes erupted into celebration as 48,000 supporters chanted slogans like « Champions d’Europe », « Ici c’est Paris », and « Luis Enrique ». Fireworks lit up the stadium, but the festive atmosphere quickly turned volatile.

Joy turns to violence

A massive security deployment of 22,000 police and gendarmes—including 8,000 in Paris and its suburbs—failed to prevent the violence. The toll was severe: 219 injured, eight critically, including 57 law enforcement officers hurt, one seriously in Agen.

A fatal accident occurred around 1:10 AM on the outer ring road near Porte Maillot. Witnesses reported a motocross rider colliding with concrete blocks blocking the exit ramp. The 24-year-old man was pronounced dead at 2:20 AM; an investigation into the circumstances is underway.

In the early hours, a knife attack in Paris’ 16th arrondissement left a 17-year-old with life-threatening injuries. The victim, bleeding profusely, fell into a coma and was rushed to a Parisian hospital. His attackers fled the scene.

Across France, 780 arrests were recorded, with violent incidents reported in Grenoble, Dijon, and Besançon. In Paris, 150 people attempted to force entry into the Parc des Princes before being repelled by police.

Mass celebrations planned for Champ-de-Mars

The Tour Eiffel glowed in celebration Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, nearly 100,000 fans are expected at the Champ-de-Mars to honor the team and staff, who will later visit the Élysée Palace and the Parc des Princes.