Celebrations following Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain's victory in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, May 30, 2026, quickly devolved into widespread unrest across France, resulting in nearly 900 arrests nationwide. The disturbances, which saw clashes between fans and police, property damage, and fires, primarily occurred in Paris but also affected approximately 15 other cities.
Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League title by defeating ArsenalTeam·Arsenal in a penalty shootout after the match in BudapestVenue·Budapest, Hungary, ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite the on-field success, the aftermath was marred by significant public disorder.
French authorities reported that around 480 individuals were arrested in the Paris area alone, with the total number of arrests across the country approaching 900. The unrest led to at least 57 police officers sustaining injuries, with some reports indicating up to 180 law enforcement personnel were hurt. One officer in Agen was seriously injured during the incidents.
In Paris, the Champs-Élysées and areas near PSG's Parc des Princes stadium became focal points for the violence. Rioters set off flares, ignited electric bikes, smashed shopfronts, and vandalized public property. Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds, who in turn aimed fireworks at officers. Similar scenes unfolded in cities such as Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, and Toulouse.
Ahead of the final, authorities had implemented precautionary measures, deploying approximately 22,000 police officers across France, including 8,000 in Paris. Public transport services were halted in an effort to mitigate potential unrest, and some shops in Paris boarded up their windows, anticipating disturbances similar to those that followed PSG's 2025 Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League victory.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the unrest, stating that while "most of the celebrations took place peacefully," significant incidents occurred. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized the recurring violence, remarking, "Only in France does a football club's victory spark riots." French President Emmanuel Macron also denounced the "unspeakable" violence, asserting, "This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love." He added, "We will be uncompromising with those who have been caught. We do not want to see this happen again. It's over. We've had enough. This must end."
Despite the overnight clashes, a victory parade for the PSG team proceeded peacefully on Sunday afternoon near the Eiffel TowerVenue·Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception with President Macron at the Élysée Palace, offering a contrasting image to the preceding night's events.
PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saves a shot from Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in the Champions League final. (Offside Sports Photography/IMAGO)
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