France witnessed a night of chaos and violence following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic UEFA Champions League victory, as celebrations spiralled into widespread riots, looting, and deadly incidents in several cities, most notably Paris, Grenoble, Nantes, and Dax.
In the capital, where PSG fans had gathered in large numbers to celebrate their team’s 5–0 win over Inter Milan, celebrations turned violent around the Champs-Elysees and Parc des Princes stadium. Rioters clashed with police, set fires, and vandalised property. Paris alone saw 491 arrests, with a total of 559 people detained nationwide, according to the latest figures. Law enforcement officials had deployed 5,400 officers across the capital in anticipation of unrest, but their presence failed to contain the scale of the violence.
This is Paris, France right now.
North African gangs have set cars on fire, blocked the streets, and are clashing violently with the police after PSG won the Champions League. Horrific visuals. This has become a routine now in many cities across the Europe. pic.twitter.com/WpUfbJnSzx
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 31, 2025
A 20-year-old woman died in Paris when the scooter she was riding was hit by a car during the tumult. In a separate incident, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the southwestern city of Dax, marking two confirmed deaths related to the post-match unrest. Elsewhere, in Grenoble, a car drove into a crowd of people celebrating the victory, critically injuring at least three members of a family, including two children. The driver later turned himself in to authorities.
The unrest also spread to Nantes, where rioters vandalised public transportation infrastructure, torched a bus, and set several cars ablaze. Across France, the night saw the outbreak of 692 fires, including 264 vehicle fires. Street blockades were reported in several areas, including portions of the Paris ring road, as fan groups obstructed traffic and confronted security personnel.
In addition to civilian injuries, a police officer was critically injured in Coutances, Normandy, after being struck in the head by fireworks during crowd control operations. He remains in a coma.
Shops near the Champs-Elysees were looted amid clashes between fans and riot police. Public infrastructure, including bus shelters and traffic lights, sustained damage in multiple districts. Despite the heavy police deployment and precautionary measures, including restricted access to sensitive areas, authorities struggled to restore order until the early hours of the morning.
The government has not announced a curfew but is expected to bolster security in anticipation of further gatherings and PSG’s planned victory parade. Investigations are ongoing into the incidents of arson, vehicular attacks, and stabbings, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and arrest records to identify further suspects.
