French authorities have reported two deaths, 192 injuries, and over 500 arrests following large-scale celebrations after Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League victory.
In the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a PSG street celebration, according to the national police. Meanwhile in Paris, a man died after his scooter was struck by a car amid the revelry. Both incidents are under investigation.
Mass gatherings broke out across France on Saturday night after PSG’s 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan secured their first-ever Champions League title.
Violence and Vandalism in Paris
On the Champs-Élysées, thousands of fans flooded the iconic avenue, where festivities turned chaotic. Riot police were met with projectiles as they tried to control the crowd using tear gas and water cannons. Bus stops were smashed and fires ignited throughout the capital.
The French interior ministry reported that 559 people were arrested nationwide — 491 in Paris alone. Of those, 320 were taken into custody, with 254 held in the capital.
In north-western France, a police officer suffered severe eye injuries after being accidentally struck by fireworks and is now in an induced coma.
Widespread Damage and Casualties
Authorities also confirmed more than 200 vehicles were set ablaze, along with hundreds of other fires. At least 22 security personnel and seven firefighters were injured during the unrest.
The violence followed a momentous occasion for PSG, whose shift toward youth development paid off with their dominant win. Nineteen-year-old Désiré Doué starred in the final, helping bring European football’s most prestigious trophy to Paris for the first time.
