Champions League final: PSG bus parade overshadowed by overnight violence
Paris Saint-Germain Champions League parade Marred by Violence
Updated June 02, 2025
Paris saint-Germain’s victory parade through Paris on Sunday, celebrating their historic Champions League title, was overshadowed by violence. The Champions League victory was followed by open-top bus parade. Two deaths and approximately 200 injuries occured during overnight celebrations.
The team, fresh off their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, showcased the trophy on the Champs-Élysées. Fans, waving blue and red, greeted the bus carrying captain Marquinhos, who proudly displayed the trophy. Ousmane Dembélé blew kisses to the crowd, and coach Luis Enrique joined in singing club anthems. The team later met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The PSG Champions League title, the team’s frist, prompted widespread celebrations, including the Eiffel Tower lighting up in team colors. Though, the team condemned the violence, emphasizing that the title “should be a moment of collective joy.”
A 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in Dax, though the incident is not believed to be related to the match, according to the regional prosecutor. In Paris, a man in his 20s died when his scooter was struck by a car during the celebrations; the driver is in custody. A police officer in Coutances was seriously injured by fireworks and is in an artificial coma. Paris police reported 201 injuries, four serious.
In Grenoble, a driver struck pedestrians celebrating the PSG victory, injuring three or four. The driver was apprehended. projectiles were thrown at firefighters and police,who responded with dispersion grenades.
Authorities had allowed up to 110,000 people on the Champs-Elysees for the parade. The team was scheduled to join fans at the Parc des Princes for a concert, light show, and trophy presentation.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez stated that thousands of police officers were deployed, employing similar tactics used the previous night, including tear gas and water cannons. Nunez reported four stores were looted, and firefighters were overwhelmed with emergencies.
By 2 a.m.Sunday, 294 arrests were made, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store. Two cars were set on fire near Parc des Princes.
At Place de la Bastille, fans celebrated by climbing the column, singing, dancing, and setting off flares. Motorbikes revved their engines as they circled the column.
Nunez attributed the disturbances to “thousands of people who came to commit acts of violence.” Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed anger, lamenting the fear experienced by parents during such celebrations.
What’s next
Investigations continue into the deaths and violence that marred the PSG Champions League celebrations, while authorities assess security measures for future events.