A Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporter holds a flare as motorists halt on the Peripherique between Porte Maillot and Porte Champerret in Paris early June 1, 2025, during celebrations following their 5-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan held in Munich. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)
PSG Champions League win triggers euphoric celebrations across France, but violence, arrests, and two tragic deaths mar the historic night in Paris.
Mulembe Times | June 1, 2025
Paris, France – Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final set off a wave of celebration across France on Saturday night, as jubilant fans flooded streets, lit fireworks, and sang anthems into the early hours. But amid the euphoria of securing the club’s first-ever European crown, the night descended into chaos, with violence, mass arrests, and tragic loss of life marring what should have been a purely historic moment for French football.
In the French capital, wild celebrations erupted moments after the final whistle blew in Munich. Tens of thousands of PSG fans gathered at landmarks including the Champs-Elysees and outside Parc des Princes, where 48,000 supporters had watched the match live on big screens. Horns blared, fans waved PSG flags, and chants of “Allez Paris!” echoed through the boulevards.
“This is a dream come true,” said Clement, a 20-year-old fan celebrating on the streets. “It’s been a long journey. This team—no stars, just warriors. They’ve brought us back our faith.”
But the atmosphere shifted as night fell.
Clashes and Arrests in Paris
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters and motorists halt on the Peripherique between Porte Maillot and Porte Champerret in Paris early June 1, 2025, during celebrations following their 5-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan held in Munich. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)
Paris police reported that 491 individuals were arrested in the capital alone, many for possession of fireworks and acts of public disorder. Across France, the total number of arrests rose to 559. Law enforcement deployed water cannons on the Champs-Elysees to prevent a crowd from reaching the Arc de Triomphe, a symbolic focal point of national celebration that quickly turned volatile.
“Troublemakers on the Champs-Elysees were looking to create incidents and repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects,” read a statement from the Paris police.
Despite the unrest, the majority of the city’s football faithful celebrated peacefully, dancing, waving flares, and basking in the long-awaited glory.
Tragic Turn: Two Dead, Several Injured
The night’s celebrations were tragically overshadowed by the deaths of two people. In Paris, a man riding a motor scooter was killed after being hit by a car in the city’s southern 15th arrondissement, just a few kilometers from the heart of the celebrations. Police say the incident appears accidental, and the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
In the southwestern town of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a gathering celebrating the PSG victory. The prosecutor’s office confirmed the death occurred shortly after the match but has not yet established a direct link to the football celebrations. The suspect remains at large.
Additionally, in Grenoble, southeastern France, four members of the same family were injured—two seriously—when a car drove into a group of revelers. The driver surrendered to authorities and is believed not to have acted with intent.
Nationwide Impact and Government Reaction
President Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, hailing the win as a “day of glory for PSG” on social media platform X. His office confirmed he will host the victorious squad on Sunday at the Élysée Palace. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo echoed the national pride, calling the triumph “historic” and praising the team for uniting a nation through football.
Television ratings mirrored the magnitude of the occasion, with 11.5 million people across France tuning in to watch the final, according to Médiamétrie data released Sunday.
Victory Parade Scheduled
A massive victory parade is scheduled to take place on Sunday along the Champs-Elysees, where tens of thousands more fans are expected to turn out. City officials and law enforcement are preparing for another night of celebrations, but also ensuring enhanced security to prevent a repeat of Saturday’s violence.
With their commanding win over Inter Milan, PSG have finally shed their reputation as European underachievers, delivering on years of investment, heartbreak, and near-misses. And while the city rejoices, authorities and community leaders are urging fans to celebrate responsibly.
“This victory belongs to Paris, to France, and to every fan who kept believing,” said Clement, still beaming from the night before. “Let’s not ruin it.”
