PSG's Second Straight Champions League Title Marred by Over 400 Arrests in France
Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive Champions League title against Arsenal in Budapest, but celebrations across France descended into violence, leading to over 400 arrests and injuries to seven police officers.
A hard-fought victory in Budapest
Paris Saint-Germain clinched their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, 30 May 2026, defeating Arsenal on penalties (1-1, 4-3) at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. The victory makes PSG only the second club, after Real Madrid, to retain the title since the competition adopted its modern format in 1992. The match was a tense affair, decided by a missed penalty from Arsenal defender Gabriel, whose effort sailed over the bar, handing the trophy to the Parisians.
PSG simply looked more confident, more mature and more battle-hardened.
Coach Luis Enrique joined an elite group of managers with three Champions League titles, having previously won with FC Barcelona in 2015. The international press celebrated the achievement, with L'Équipe's front page dubbing the team "The Invincibles."
Celebrations turn to chaos
What should have been a night of jubilation quickly soured as celebrations across France were marred by widespread violence. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported "unacceptable excesses" in around fifteen cities. By 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, 283 arrests had been made in the Paris area alone, with a nationwide total of 416 to 426 people detained, depending on the source.
These excesses are absolutely unacceptable.
Seven police officers were injured, one seriously in Agen with a head trauma. Clashes erupted in multiple cities including Rennes, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Toulouse, Nancy, and Pau. In Reims, mayor Arnaud Robinet confirmed "a few arrests" on Facebook.
Scenes of destruction in the capital
On the Champs-Élysées, where up to 20,000 fans had gathered, projectiles were thrown at police. A kiosk was set on fire near the avenue, and at least six vehicles were damaged. In the 8th arrondissement, individuals attempted to attack a police station before being dispersed. Four attempts to block the Paris ring road were met with rapid police intervention. Near the Parc des Princes, around 150 people tried to force entry into the stadium before being pushed back.
Only in France does a football club's victory cause riots.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized the violence on X, adding that people felt forced to lock themselves in their homes to avoid confrontation. Police seized 24 torches and around a hundred mortars. Two shops and a bus stop were also damaged during the unrest.
A grim repeat of last year
This marks the second consecutive year that PSG's Champions League triumph has been overshadowed by violence. The 2025 victory celebrations resulted in two deaths, including a 17-year-old boy. Authorities had anticipated the disturbances, with thousands of police mobilized to control crowds that disrupted bus, train, and metro traffic in Paris. Fireworks and flares were lit, and tear gas was used to disperse crowds in the city center.
Victory parade plans proceed
Despite the overnight chaos, a victory parade is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Players will tour the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The event aims to celebrate a team that, according to international media, is "ready to build a dynasty" after overcoming a season marked by injuries and inconsistent form to achieve an improbable double.
- Fans begin gathering at Parc des Princes and Champs-Élysées to watch the final.
- PSG defeats Arsenal on penalties at Puskás Aréna, Budapest.
- Thousands converge on Champs-Élysées; projectiles thrown at police.
- Clashes reported in Rennes, Strasbourg, Grenoble, and other cities.
- Calm returns to Champs-Élysées; 283 arrests confirmed in Paris.
- Interior Minister Nuñez reports 416-426 nationwide arrests and 7 officers injured.
