Triumphant celebrations quickly spiraled into disorder as Paris Saint-Germain secured their Champions League title with a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal (1-1 a.e.t., 4-3 on penalties). Frenzied crowds in Paris turned jubilant scenes into chaotic clashes and widespread vandalism.

By the final whistle, the Parc des Princes stadium was roaring with over 48,000 fans chanting “European Champions”, “This is Paris”, “Luis Enrique”, and “back-to-back” triumphs. Fireworks lit up the pitch as the euphoria reached fever pitch.

Celebration overshadowed by violence

A massive security deployment of 22,000 police and gendarmes was in place, including 8,000 dedicated to Paris and its surrounding areas. Yet the night still ended with 219 injuries, eight of them critical. The Interior Ministry confirmed that 57 law enforcement officers were also hurt, one severely in Agen.

Tragedy struck around 1:10 AM when a motorcyclist collided with concrete barriers on the outer ring road exit near Porte Maillot. The barriers, clearly marked, had been erected to control access. The 24-year-old rider, born in 2002, died at 2:20 AM. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances.

In the early hours, a stabbing incident unfolded in the 16th arrondissement. Four assailants armed with knives attacked a teenager, inflicting severe facial wounds. The victim, aged 17, was rushed to a Paris hospital in critical condition after falling into a coma. The attackers fled the scene.

Nationwide, 780 people were taken into custody, with incidents reported in Grenoble, Dijon, and Besançon. In Grenoble alone, extensive damage was reported throughout the night.

100,000 fans expected at Champ-de-Mars

Near the Parc des Princes, 150 individuals attempted to force entry before being repelled by law enforcement, according to police reports.

As the Eiffel Tower glowed in celebration Saturday night, nearly 100,000 spectators are anticipated at Champ-de-Mars Sunday afternoon to honor the PSG players and staff, who will later visit the Élysée Palace and return to Parc des Princes in the evening.