French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Paris Saint-Germain squad to the Élysée Palace on June 10, 2024, to celebrate the club's first UEFA Champions League title [1, 2].
The victory represents a milestone for French football, as the club secured its first-ever European trophy after years of pursuit. This achievement elevates the standing of the domestic league on the global stage.
The celebration followed a dominant performance in the final, where PSG defeated Inter Milan with a final score of 5-0 [1]. During the reception at the presidential residence, Macron praised the team's achievement and the impact of the win on the capital.
"Paris is now at the top of Europe," Macron said [1].
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi also marked the occasion, noting the significance of the trophy for both the organization and the country. He said, "We have made history for PSG and for French football" [1].
Following the official reception at the palace, the festivities moved to the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower for a public parade. The event drew massive crowds to the heart of the city to honor the players and coaching staff [2].
According to reports, up to 100,000 supporters gathered on the Champ de Mars to celebrate the victory [2]. The public gathering served as a culmination of the club's journey to the top of European football, an event that had long been the primary objective of the club's leadership.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, some reports indicated that clashes marred the surrounding celebrations in the French capital [2]. However, the primary focus remained on the squad's historic ascent to the European summit.
“"Paris is now at the top of Europe."”
The first Champions League title for Paris Saint-Germain ends a long period of sporting frustration for the club and validates the massive financial investments made into the squad over the last decade. By hosting the team at the Élysée Palace, the French state acknowledges the club not just as a sports entity, but as a symbol of national prestige and soft power in Europe.
