Paris Erupts as PSG Clinch First-Ever Champions League Title

Supporters of Paris Saint-Germain filled the streets of the French capital on Saturday evening following the club’s decisive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final held in Munich. The win, marking PSG’s first-ever European title, sparked massive gatherings across Paris, particularly around iconic locations such as the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium, where around 48,000 fans had gathered to watch the match live on large screens.

While the vast majority of celebrations were peaceful, incidents of disorder prompted a significant police response. According to authorities, nearly 300 individuals were taken into custody, most of them accused of carrying fireworks and disrupting public order. Law enforcement officers were deployed in large numbers throughout central Paris and used water cannons to disperse groups attempting to push toward the Arc de Triomphe.

Isolated Violence and Accidents Amid Broad Festivities

Officials reported that tensions escalated when some individuals began throwing fireworks and other objects at police on the Champs-Élysées. Police described these individuals as intent on provoking confrontations, leading to multiple arrests throughout the night.

Elsewhere in the country, in the southeastern city of Grenoble, an unrelated incident occurred when a vehicle struck a group of fans celebrating PSG’s win. Four people were injured, two of them seriously. All the victims were members of the same family. Authorities stated that the driver, who later surrendered to police, was taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggested that the incident was not deliberate.

Despite these isolated events, the overall atmosphere across Paris remained jubilant. Large crowds were seen singing club chants, dancing, and waving flags in celebration. Cars honked in unison, and the mood in many neighborhoods was festive well into the night.

Recognition from Leaders and Plans for Further Celebrations

French President Emmanuel Macron, through his office, confirmed he would receive the PSG squad on Sunday to congratulate them personally. He also shared a message on social media praising the team’s performance, calling it a moment of pride for the nation and describing Paris as the capital of European football for the night.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo echoed the sentiment, calling the victory a historic achievement for the city and for French football. Plans for an official victory parade have been set for Sunday on the Champs-Élysées, where large crowds are expected to gather once more to welcome the team home and celebrate their triumph.

The Champions League win brings a major milestone for PSG, a club that has long pursued European glory. Supporters, many of whom have followed the team through decades of near misses and domestic dominance, viewed the moment as a culmination of years of ambition and transformation. The parade is set to provide one final opportunity for the city to unite in celebration of a landmark sporting achievement.