This afternoon, the Champs-Élysées echoed with the triumphant sounds of "We Are the Champions" and the cheers of approximately 110,000 fans, celebrating Paris Saint-Germain's first-ever European championship victory. The iconic avenue, known for hosting state parades, transformed into a euphoric scene as PSG players paraded in a day that will be etched in the memories of Parisians and the nation alike, only the second French club to achieve such a feat since Olympic de Marseille's win in 1993.

Following a night marred by violent celebrations, Sunday saw the Champs-Élysées turn into a peaceful festival ground. The parade kicked off with a jubilant Luis Enrique, hailed as the mastermind behind PSG's victory, proudly lifting the trophy amidst a sea of ecstatic fans. Later, he was celebrated at the Élysée Palace.

As the bus made its way through a sea of flags, flares, and fireworks, it culminated at the Arc de Triomphe, a landmark PSG had only dreamed of reaching until this Saturday. At the monument's base, club-colored smoke filled the air. Such sports celebrations on the Champs-Élysées have only occurred in 1998 and 2018, following France's World Cup victories.

The trophy was passed among players, some sporting sunglasses. Kimpembe was the first to grab the microphone, rallying the crowd with cries of "We are champions!" Others called for the Ballon d'Or to be awarded to Dembélé. Access to the Champs-Élysées was restricted for security reasons, aiming to prevent the chaos that occurred during and after the match.

Security measures mirrored those of the previous night: numerous metro stations closed, with 5,400 officers deployed. Concerns lingered after Saturday's violence, which resulted in two fatalities, over 560 arrests, 192 injuries in clashes with law enforcement, and more than 200 cars set ablaze, along with damage to businesses.

The Ministry of the Interior and the Police Prefecture defended their handling of the situation. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the "wild youths" who marred Saturday's festivities, while Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez noted over a thousand troublemakers aimed to disrupt the celebration.

After the parade, PSG players were welcomed at the Élysée by President Emmanuel Macron, a known Olympic de Marseille supporter. "This is a moment of triumph and joy, and nothing can justify the events in the capital and country. The confrontations we witnessed are unacceptable, with two lives lost and a police officer in a coma," Macron stated, vowing a fitting response to pursue those responsible for the vandalism. "This is not what football represents, in any way."

The French president expressed gratitude to the PSG team for elevating Paris to the pinnacle of Europe and praised Luis Enrique's contribution: "Luis, this victory owes much to you," he proclaimed, while the Asturian coach received applause in the Élysée's celebration hall.