As early as 2 PM, the area surrounding the Parc des Princes—where the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will be broadcast tonight—transformed into an open-air fan zone. From the steps of the Porte de Saint-Cloud fountain, supporters young and old soaked their feet in the water while belting out club anthems, their passion undeterred by the blazing summer heat.
The crowd’s energy was palpable, with chants like « after so many years… » echoing through the square. Between smoke flares and spontaneous celebrations, two slogans dominated: « We want the second one »—a reference to PSG’s quest for a first Champions League trophy—and « Dembélé Ballon d’Or », a playful nod to the club’s midfield dynamo. Fans arrived from across the Paris region, from its suburbs, and even from as far as Brazil, drawn by the promise of replicating the electric atmosphere from last year’s final.
Despite the festive chaos, the mood remained lighthearted. With kickoff still four hours away, some supporters playfully teased the heavy police presence around the stadium, a testament to the joyous yet orderly spirit dominating the scene.