On Saturday night, Paris police apprehended numerous individuals as violence marred the celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) triumphant securing of their second Champions League title. PSG achieved victory over Arsenal through a nail-biting penalty shootout during the final held in Budapest, Hungary. The atmosphere quickly transformed from joy to unrest as fans took to the streets to celebrate their team’s accomplishment.
Gathering after the final whistle, jubilant fans filled the streets of Paris, marching along avenues adjacent to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Many celebrated with flares and honking car horns, with approximately 20,000 revelers congregating on the world-renowned Champs-Elysees. However, the festive atmosphere soon gave way to chaos as smaller groups within the crowd began to engage in violent behaviors, prompting police intervention to manage the situation.
The Paris police prefecture reported that disturbances erupted in various parts of the city. Vandalism occurred as a few individuals damaged shops and set vehicles on fire. During these disturbances, one police officer sustained injuries as tensions escalated. A significant incident involved a group attempting to storm a police station located in the upscale 8th Arrondissement neighborhood, which was subsequently disbanded by law enforcement.
By 10 p.m. local time, authorities had taken into custody 45 individuals amid the unrest. Additionally, the main ring road encircling Paris faced a temporary blockade by a crowd before police intervened to disperse the gathering. Reports indicated that a bakery and a restaurant were also vandalized during the celebrations. Furthermore, police successfully contained around 1,000 individuals who had assembled near the PSG stadium situated in the 16th Arrondissement, where they dismantled barricades made from bicycles.
This year’s celebrations contrasted starkly with the previous year’s events when PSG won their first title. In May 2025, celebrations in Paris resulted in 201 injuries and over 500 arrests nationwide, which placed the city on high alert. To prevent a similar escalation, Paris authorities deployed 8,000 police officers throughout the city during the latest celebrations.
Despite the violent incidents, the overall excitement surrounding PSG’s victory highlighted the passion and dedication of its fans. The club’s unexpected triumph in one of Europe’s most prestigious tournaments served as a rallying point for supporters, illustrating the intense emotions that accompany sporting events. As the city comes to terms with the events of the evening, the aftermath of the celebrations reflects the often volatile intersection of sports and public gatherings.
