Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League victory was marred by widespread violence across France. What began as jubilant celebrations quickly turned chaotic in several cities, leaving two people dead, hundreds arrested, and dozens injured.
A First European Title for PSG
On May 31, 2025, PSG claimed their first-ever Champions League trophy with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The victory marked a major milestone for the club, making it only the second French team after Marseille to win Europe’s top football competition.
Violence Erupts in Paris and Beyond
As fans took to the streets of Paris, particularly around the Champs-Élysées, celebrations turned into riots. Police clashed with groups of supporters as cars were set on fire, shops were looted, and public property was damaged. Authorities deployed over 5,000 officers in the capital and used tear gas and water cannons to regain control.
Casualties and Arrests Reported Nationwide
- Fatalities: A 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Dax, and a 23-year-old man died in a scooter accident in Paris.
- Injuries: At least 192 people were injured, including 22 police officers and 7 firefighters.
- Arrests: Police detained 559 individuals across France, with 491 arrests taking place in Paris alone.
- Property damage: 264 vehicles were burned, and several storefronts suffered extensive damage.
Political Reactions and Club Response
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence as “unacceptable” and vowed that the perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau referred to the rioters as “barbarians,” a term that drew criticism from some lawmakers.
PSG issued a statement distancing itself from the unrest, stating that the acts of violence do not reflect the values of the club or the majority of its supporters.
Victory Parade Held Under Tight Security
Despite the unrest, PSG held a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées the following day, drawing more than 100,000 fans. The players later visited the Élysée Palace and continued celebrations at Parc des Princes. Enhanced security measures were in place to avoid further disturbances.
The events underscore the challenge of managing mass gatherings following major sports victories, where public joy can quickly be overshadowed by isolated acts of violence.
