Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win sparks deadly riots across France
Paris Saint-Germain’s second consecutive Champions League triumph has triggered violent unrest across France, with nearly 900 arrests and at least one fatality as celebrations spiraled into chaos. Authorities confirmed on Monday that riots erupted in Paris and other cities following PSG’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in Budapest on Saturday, with cars torched, shops looted, and clashes between police and youths leaving one 24-year-old dead and two others critically injured. The violence has drawn sharp political backlash, with President Emmanuel Macron condemning the "unacceptable" disorder and the government defending its security measures amid criticism from the far-right Rassemblement National.
The club’s victory parade proceeded on Sunday at the Eiffel Tower, where players celebrated with thousands of fans before meeting Macron at the Élysée Palace. Despite the unrest, the win has resonated deeply across Africa, where PSG’s success—fueled by key players of African descent—has sparked widespread pride, particularly in Francophone nations. Meanwhile, the government faces mounting pressure to address the security failures, with immediate court hearings already underway for some of the 900 detained.
PSG’s dominance under Luis Enrique was praised in Swiss media as a blend of flamboyance and pragmatism, with the team overcoming both attacking powerhouses like Bayern Munich and defensive walls like Arsenal. Yet the celebrations have overshadowed the sporting achievement, reigniting debates over public order and the societal impact of football triumphs in France.
Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win sparks deadly riots across France
- liberation
- courrier international
- france24

