Paris prepares hero’s welcome for PSG UCL winners under heavy security

Paris prepared to honor its football heroes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with a grand welcome following their second consecutive Champions League title victory. The team secured the trophy after a penalty shootout win against Arsenal in Budapest, leading to widespread celebrations across France. However, the initial night of revelry was significantly marred by unrest, including clashes with police, vandalism, and hundreds of arrests.

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We’re still riding yesterday’s high, so we want to keep the party going.

Despite the disturbances, which saw streets strewn with debris, damaged property, and vehicles set ablaze, authorities assured security for the planned parade on the Champs-de-Mars, a prominent public space near the Eiffel Tower. Tens of thousands of fans were expected to attend the event, with many already gathering, waving flags, and wearing PSG colors as the team landed back in Paris.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez promised a "strong law enforcement response" to any further disruptions during the celebrations. He reported that 780 people were arrested nationwide overnight. The minister also noted an increased use of fireworks directed at law enforcement, resulting in injuries to 57 security force members and 219 participants, eight of whom were seriously injured.

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We Are the Champions

The celebrations also saw a tragic road accident where a young man died after crashing his motocross bike into concrete blocks on a Paris ring road exit ramp. This occurred while a group of supporters had temporarily halted traffic on the ring road, setting off flares. Another individual sustained serious injuries in a separate knife attack in Paris.

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We’re still riding yesterday’s high, so we want to keep the party going.

Before the public parade, the PSG team was scheduled to be received at the Elysee Palace by President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the national significance of their achievement. The team was also expected to return to their home stadium, Parc des Princes, as part of the day's events.

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We’re still riding yesterday’s high, so we want to keep the party going.