a gathering of passion at porte de saint-cloud

By 2:00 PM, the Porte de Saint-Cloud square, adjacent to the Parc des Princes, had transformed into an open-air fan zone. The mercury was climbing, but so was the enthusiasm. Some fans waded into the fountain’s waters to cool off while others kept the energy high with rhythmic chants and spirited slogans.

Chants like « après tant d’années… » echoed through the square, blending with the rising smoke from flares. Two main slogans dominated the chants: « On veut la deuxième » (We want the second one) and « Dembélé Ballon d’Or », reflecting the fans’ hopes and admiration for Ousmane Dembélé. The crowd was a vibrant mix of young supporters from Paris and its suburbs, alongside international fans, including four Brazilians in PSG jerseys, drawn by the prospect of reliving last year’s triumphant celebration.

a youthful and spirited crowd

The gathering was a testament to the club’s growing global appeal. While many were local, others had traveled from afar, united by a shared passion for the team. The atmosphere was festive yet respectful, with fans keen to soak in every moment before the final whistle.

light-hearted banter with security

With kick-off just four hours away, the mood was light-hearted even among the heavy presence of security forces. Fans joked with the CRS officers patrolling the area, a small but telling sign of the camaraderie that often characterizes big sporting events in France.