Though the Paris Saint-Germain secured European glory with a dramatic 4-3 penalty victory against Arsenal, the celebrations quickly spiraled into chaos and destruction throughout the capital.

The Parc des Princes stadium erupted as 48,000 supporters chanted victory slogans—’Champions of Europe,’ ‘This is Paris,’ and ‘Luis Enrique’—while fireworks lit up the pitch. Yet within minutes, the jubilation turned to recklessness.

Joy overshadowed by clashes

Security forces deployed an unprecedented 22,000 officers nationwide, including 8,000 in Paris and its suburbs. Despite the massive presence, violence still claimed its toll: 219 injured, eight critically, including 57 law enforcement officers, one severely in Agen.

Around 1:10 a.m., a fatal accident occurred on the outer ring road near Porte Maillot. Witnesses described a motorcyclist striking concrete barriers, which had been deliberately placed to block the exit. The rider, a 22-year-old man, died at 2:20 a.m. Authorities launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

At 4 a.m., a violent assault was reported in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. Four suspects armed with knives fled after stabbing a 17-year-old boy, who suffered severe facial and eye injuries and was rushed to a Paris hospital in critical condition.

By dawn, authorities confirmed 780 nationwide arrests, with violent incidents also reported in Grenoble, Dijon, and Besançon, where shops were vandalized and fires set.

Massive turnout expected at Champ de Mars

Near the Parc des Princes, around 150 individuals attempted to force entry before being dispersed by police, according to the prefecture.

The Eiffel Tower glowed in celebration Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, nearly 100,000 fans are expected at the Champ de Mars to welcome the team before their procession to the Élysée Palace and a victory parade at the Parc des Princes.