Tragic incidents marred celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their second consecutive Champions League title. One fan was killed and another remains in critical condition, while approximately 400 individuals were arrested following widespread unrest in 15 cities, including Paris, Rennes, Strasbourg, and Grenoble.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the stabbing of a 17-year-old male near the Champs-Elysees avenue. The victim is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment in intensive care. In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man died after his moto crashed into a concrete block. Another serious accident occurred when an oto lost control and crashed into the outdoor seating area of a restaurant, injuring two people, one severely.

Police appear on the streets of Paris as flares are fired on 30/5/2026. Photo: Reuters

The Paris Public Prosecutor's Office reported that 277 individuals, including 82 minors, were detained for investigation. Charges include: assaulting police, theft, property damage, and disturbing public order. French Minister of Interior Laurent Nunez stated that a total of 57 police officers were injured in the violence across the nation. Despite the unrest, Mr. Nunez confirmed that PSG's victory celebrations, scheduled for the afternoon of 1/6 at the Champ de Mars area near the Eiffel Tower, would proceed as planned. He also warned that authorities would act "resolutely and firmly" if violence continued. According to the schedule, PSG players will later be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

The celebrations began immediately after the Champions League final concluded on the evening of 30/5. Thousands of fans poured onto the streets of Paris, parading around the Arc de Triomphe, setting off flares, and repeatedly honking car horns. About 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Elysees avenue, where police were deployed to control the crowd. According to the Paris Police Department, several small groups caused disturbances in various parts of the city, vandalizing stores, setting fire to trash cans, public bicycles, and numerous vehicles in the streets. A group that attempted to storm the police station in District 8, one of Paris's central areas, was dispersed shortly after.

Fans set off flares to celebrate PSG winning the Champions League in the 2025-2026 season. Photo: Reuters

Football-related violence is a growing concern in France. Last year, similar riots occurred after PSG secured their first Champions League title in history. At that time, 201 people were injured in the capital Paris, and over 500 were arrested across France.

In the final at Puskas Arena on 30/5, PSG drew with Arsenal 1-1 after 120 minutes, then won 4-3 in the penalty shootout, securing their second consecutive Champions League title. The Paris capital club became the first team to win the Champions League in two consecutive seasons since Real Madrid (2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018).

This achievement generated a wave of positive reactions from international media, recognizing PSG's historic triumph.

In France, the daily newspaper L'Equipe described it as a dramatic final where PSG staged a strong comeback after conceding a goal to win. The newspaper highlighted the team's maturity and composure in the penalty shootout, seeing it as a symbol of a calm and confident squad.

In the US, ESPN assessed that PSG had made significant progress in their competitive mentality and team cohesion. The news agency stated that the team appeared more confident, mature, and resilient, while praising Luis Enrique, who joined a small group of coaches to have won the Champions League three times. ESPN also suggested that with its young squad, PSG could dominate European football for many years to come.

In Asia, The Korea Times viewed winning both domestic titles and the Champions League as affirming the rise of a "true football empire". In Georgia, Pravda Georgia focused on the performance of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, highlighting the foul against him that led to the crucial penalty helping PSG equalize, and described the celebratory atmosphere spreading across the country.

In South America, El Universo praised defender Willian Pacho as a defensive pillar in their championship run, and noted coach Luis Enrique joining the group of legendary strategists who have won the European Cup three times.

In Portugal, A Bola gave special praise to Vitinha after he was voted man of the match. The newspaper emphasized the midfielder's ability to control the midfield with 141 accurate passes out of 151 attempts, seeing this as proof of his significant influence on PSG's play.

Hong Duy compiled