A fervent gathering ignites Parc des Princes ahead of the PSG vs. Arsenal Champions League final
Hours before the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal, set to be played this Saturday afternoon in Budapest, Hungary, a vibrant scene unfolded at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Despite the match being thousands of miles away, countless supporters flocked to the stadium’s vicinity, where the highly anticipated game would be broadcast on a giant screen. The atmosphere was undeniably electric, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
As early as 2 PM, the Porte de Saint-Cloud square, adjacent to the iconic Parc des Princes, had already transformed into a sprawling, open-air fan zone. Thousands of enthusiastic Parisian supporters, demonstrating both their unwavering passion and a touch of common sense, converged around the central fountain. Many sought respite from the scorching sun by dipping their feet into the cool water, simultaneously amplifying the celebratory mood and alleviating the intense heat.
The crowd roared with the club’s most beloved chants, with a particular emphasis on the now-iconic refrain, “after so many years…”. Flares were lit one after another, releasing plumes of colored smoke into the Parisian sky. Two primary slogans echoed through the square: “We want the second”, reflecting the collective yearning for another Champions League title, and “Dembélé Ballon d’Or”, a testament to the fans’ high hopes for their star player. This diverse assembly, largely composed of young individuals from Paris and its suburbs, also included fans who had traveled significant distances, like a group of four Brazilians proudly sporting yellow jerseys, all drawn by the desire to recreate the immense celebratory spirit of the previous year. The collective mood remained spirited and good-natured throughout the afternoon.
Even with just four hours remaining until kickoff, the convivial atmosphere was such that some supporters were observed engaging in playful banter with the numerous CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité) officers deployed to manage the crowds around the Parc des Princes.
