Paris erupts in jubilation and unrest after PSG secures second straight Champions League title

Paris was a sea of blue Saturday night as the city celebrated Paris Saint-Germain’s historic back-to-back Champions League triumph with explosive joy, dazzling fireworks, and tense confrontations between revelers and law enforcement.

From Champs-Élysées to Grands Boulevards: A night of euphoria and chaos

The victory over Arsenal (1-1, 4-3 on penalties) in Budapest triggered wild celebrations across the French capital, particularly along the iconic Champs-Élysées and Grands Boulevards. Fans sang anthems like « Sa-fo-nov » and chanted « Après tant d’années », their voices echoing through the traffic-free streets as confetti and smoke bombs filled the air.

The scenes were reminiscent of France’s 2018 World Cup victory, with tens of thousands of supporters flooding the streets hours before the final whistle. While many had gathered in bars and public squares to watch the nail-biting penalty shootout, others took to the streets early, fueled by heat reaching 37°C and the thrill of anticipation.

Fireworks, clashes, and tear gas: The darker side of celebration

As the match entered its decisive moments, the atmosphere shifted from controlled excitement to chaotic unrest. When the decisive penalty was scored, fireworks erupted prematurely, and clashes with police forces—CRS units—became inevitable. Tear gas was deployed as crowds scrambled to shield themselves from the acrid smoke, forcing a rapid dispersal of groups.

Despite rigorous security checks at the entry points to the Champs-Élysées, fireworks and firecrackers continued to light up the sky. The back-and-forth between supporters and law enforcement intensified, with police charges interrupting spontaneous celebrations and singing sessions that included the latest fan chants like « Et Ousmane Ballon d’Or ».

131 arrests: A calmer night compared to 2025’s mayhem

By late evening, the Paris Prefecture of Police reported 131 arrests and one injured officer, a stark contrast to the previous year’s final against Inter Milan, which saw 559 arrests. « There’s less chaos this time, sure, but the night isn’t over yet, » commented a CRS officer near rue du Colisée, hinting at the unpredictability of the celebrations.

The city’s metro stations, already closed to limit movement, saw some supporters continuing their revelry on foot, while others took to the streets, including rue La Boétie, one of the few arteries still accessible to traffic. The streets were littered with remnants of fireworks, empty bottles, and the lingering stench of tear gas, a testament to the night’s unbridled energy.

A city divided: Pride and frustration in the aftermath

By 11 PM, a line of police vehicles remained stationed along boulevard Montmartre, a visible reminder of the tensions that had flared up with the final whistle. « It’s déjà vu, » remarked Benji, a lifelong PSG supporter, over the din of honking car horns. « We’ve lived this before—last year. The stress isn’t the same, but the joy is. »

As the night wore on, the streets of Paris told the story of a city caught between unprecedented triumph and the inevitable excesses of celebration. For those who had braved the heat and the crowds, the message was clear: PSG’s double victory was a moment etched in football history, even if the night ended with stinging eyes and a lingering sense of unease.