Soccer
PSG’s Glorious Champions League Win Turns Tragic with Two Dead and Over 500 Arrested
Celebrations of PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan spiraled into violence in Paris, claiming two lives and resulting in mass arrests
Unfiltered joy and Celebration for Paris Saint-Germain supporters took a tragic turn. As PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich—their first-ever UCL title in history—streets across France, especially in the capital, descended into chaos.
According to the French Interior Ministry, over 559 people were arrested and two individuals tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of what should have been a night to remember for all the right reasons. One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy, was reportedly stabbed in the town of Dax during wild celebrations. The second, an adult male riding a scooter, died after being struck by a car in southwest Paris.
Scenes of jubilation quickly devolved into violent clashes, particularly around iconic spots like the Champs-Elysees and Parc des Princes, where tens of thousands of fans had gathered to watch the match on big screens. Reports from AFP and The Telegraph noted that riot police had to deploy tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds as bus shelters were smashed and projectiles rained down on authorities.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau made a striking statement amid the unrest, saying “Barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris”, underlining the scale of violence that erupted in what should have been a moment of national pride.
Earlier in the night, Luis Enrique‘s squad delivered a masterclass in dominance. PSG’s journey to the final had already seen them oust European powerhouses like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa. But the final in Munich was a pure demolition job. Goals from Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue (twice), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu left Inter Milan in shambles.
This triumph not only ends a decades-long quest for European glory, but also marks PSG as only the second French club in history to win the UEFA Champions League, after Marseille’s victory in 1993. However, the emotional high of the win was quickly offset by the tragic events that followed, leaving many asking if football ecstasy is worth this kind of devastation.
What should have been an iconic night for French football will now forever be remembered as one of both triumph and tragedy—a reminder of how celebration, when uncontrolled, can spiral into sorrow.