Incidents in Paris after Senegal's triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations » Joy, chaos and confrontations with the police
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Monday, January 19, 2026, 12:19 / Updated Monday, January 19, 2026 12:19
Senegal's historic victory in the Africa Cup of Nations finalobtained on Sunday evening in Rabat, in front of Morocco, score 1-0 after extra time, triggered intense scenes not only on the African continent, but also in Europe. In France, in Paris, the celebration quickly turned into chaos, requiring the intervention of law enforcement.
Senegal won the second continental title in history, after the one in 2021, in an extremely tense final. Morocco missed the chance to win the trophy on home soil, after Brahim Diaz wasted a huge penalty in the 90+24th minute, miserably executed, a “ladder” caught emotionlessly by goalkeeper Mendy. In extra time, the Senegalese struck the decisive blow through Pape Gueye, in the 94th minute.
VIDEO. Paris, scene of violent incidents
Sport them, them #football c'est le respect, la joie et le dépassement de soi. Nothing justifies us que la fête #CAN2025 it turns into violence.
Respect to us #FDO qui ont tenu debout pour pour pour guarantee la sécurité de tous.#SupportFDO pic.twitter.com/jAsgMsPvhM— Police Officers and Commissioners (@PoliceSCSI) January 19, 2026
The celebration quickly spread to France, where more than 500,000 Senegalese citizens live. In Paris, especially in the districts of Barbes and Château Rouge, the joy turned into violent confrontations. The most serious incidents took place on the Champs-Elysees, an area where gatherings had been banned as a precaution.
However, the ban did not stop the supporters, and the police intervention led to chases and direct clashes. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, the provisional balance indicates 63 people arrested and 14 policemen slightly injured.
“These spontaneous gatherings, initially festive, generated limited disturbances of public order, especially in Paris, Lyon and Avignon. Those who caused the disorder were arrested“, the head of the French police said.
Chaos and after the final » Ambush at the press conference
The tension was not limited to the streets of Paris. Incredible scenes also happened in Rabat, at the press conference after the final. About an hour after the final whistle, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw walked into the conference room not knowing what awaited him.
According to the publication Marca, Moroccan journalists greeted him with hostile whistles and chants, chanting in chorus “go, go”, in reaction to the technician's previous intention to abandon the game at certain tense moments.
Senegalese journalists formed a shield around the selector, the situation quickly degenerating into fights and altercations between the media representatives. Finally, Pape Thiaw left the room without offering any further statement.
