Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30, 2026, securing back-to-back titles after a penalty shootout [1, 2, 3, 4]. Fans across France flooded the streets to celebrate, but festivities quickly devolved into violent riots, particularly in Paris [5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 4].

On the night of May 30, large crowds gathered around key locations such as the Champs-Elysees and Parc des Princes stadium. Rioters set cars on fire, smashed shop windows, looted stores, and attacked police with fireworks [5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 4]. Police responded with tear gas and forcefully dispersed the crowds after some attempted to storm the stadium [5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 9]. Several shops and a bus shelter near these areas suffered vandalism and looting [5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 9].

Authorities deployed about 22,000 police and security personnel nationwide, including 8,000 in Paris and surrounding areas, to restore order [1, 6, 10, 11, 9, 4]. Initial reports by early May 31 stated around 416 people had been arrested nationwide, with approximately 280 arrested in Paris alone [5, 6, 2, 3]. Seven police officers were injured during clashes, one seriously, and one man died in a motorcycle accident on the Paris ring road amid celebrations [5, 6, 10, 11, 7, 8, 4].

By June 1, the total number of arrests had risen to roughly 780-890 across France, representing a 32%-45% increase compared to last year [10, 11, 7, 8, 4]. Injuries to security personnel were reported between 57 and nearly 180, while over 200 participants suffered injuries, some serious [10, 11, 7, 8, 4]. Laurent Nunez, French Interior Minister, called the riots "completely unacceptable" and said authorities had deployed "a very strong and solid security system everywhere to ensure celebrations could happen in a calm and fully safe environment" [5, 1, 2, 7].

PSG players held an official victory parade near the Eiffel Tower on May 31 and attended a presidential celebration hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron [1, 2, 3]. Macron condemned the violence during his meeting with the players, saying, "Enough, we have had enough. This is not football, it is unrelated to sport, and not the game we love" [7, 8]. Right-wing politician Marine Le Pen also criticized security failures and blamed France's tolerance for violence during football celebrations [2, 3].

The situation remains tense in Paris and other cities as authorities continue investigations and maintain heightened security to prevent further violence.