Victoire parade! Brigitte Macron playfully wrestles World Cup trophy from players as the team celebrates their win in front of hundreds of thousands of delirious fans

  • Huge crowds gathered in central Paris to welcome home nation's victorious football team from Moscow
  • Wild celebrations broke out across France on Sunday as country claimed its second ever World Cup win 
  • The jubilation was marred by rioting and looting as 'fans' were filmed smashing their way into a Lacoste store
  • Police arrested nearly 300 people overnight while one fan died in a car crash and another broke his neck 

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Brigitte Macron playfully wrestled the World Cup trophy from players as the French football team celebrated their win at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris today.

Thousands lined the streets of the Champs Elysees as the team took part in a bus parade along the iconic street.

Emmanual Macron looked equally excited as he posed for pictures with the football team who have won a second World Cup for France.

No date has yet been set for the ceremony to hand over the prizes, which follow the team's 4-2 win over Croatia in Russia on Sunday. 

Earlier today he revealed the team will be given the Legion of Honour by the state.

The victorious footballers landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport earlier today and made their way down streets of the capital in a bus towards the triumphant parade.  

Paris has already begun an epic clean-up operation after a million people partied late into the night along the Champs-Élysées to celebrate the country's second ever World Cup victory.  

Brigitte Macron jokingly wrestled the World Cup trophy from players as the French football team celebrated their win at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris today

Brigitte Macron jokingly wrestled the World Cup trophy from players as the French football team celebrated their win at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris today

The team happily waved and held the World Cup trophy up high in the air as adoring fans cheered on their champions open tour bus parade

The team happily waved and held the World Cup trophy up high in the air as adoring fans cheered on their champions open tour bus parade

Thousands of fans cheered and desperately tried to catch a photo of the team as they made their way past on their parade bus

Thousands of fans cheered and desperately tried to catch a photo of the team as they made their way past on their parade bus

The Patrouille de France jets trailed tricolor smoke over the Champs Elysee as the parade made its way to the presidential palace

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife  posed with the team after the arrived at the palace, with captain Hugo Lloris holding the trophy

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife posed with the team after the arrived at the palace, with captain Hugo Lloris holding the trophy

Defender Raphael Varane was seen holding up the World Cup trophy as he was surrounded by his teammates. Pictured, left to right: midfielder Corentin Tolisso, defender Benjamin Pavard, Mr Varane,  goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and midfielder Blaise Matuidi

Defender Raphael Varane was seen holding up the World Cup trophy as he was surrounded by his teammates. Pictured, left to right: midfielder Corentin Tolisso, defender Benjamin Pavard, Mr Varane, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and midfielder Blaise Matuidi

Erika Griezmann, the wife of French striker Antoine Grizmann, was seen arriving at the Elysee Palace
Rachel Legrain-Trapani, the partner of french soccer player Benjami Pavardand, was also spotted

Erika Griezmann (left), the wife of French striker Antoine Grizmann, Rachel Legrain-Trapani, the partner of french soccer player Benjami Pavardand, were seen arriving at the presidential Elysee Palace

The team looked in high spirits as they posted with Brigitte and Emmanuel Macro on the steps of the Elysee Presidential Palace

The team looked in high spirits as they posted with Brigitte and Emmanuel Macro on the steps of the Elysee Presidential Palace

Midfielder Corentin Tolisso's girlfriend Sarah (left) and his sister Marine Tolisso were all smiles as they went into the palace
Paul Pogba's girlfriend Maria Zulay Salaues and his mother Yeo were spotted entering the palace

Midfielder Corentin Tolisso's girlfriend Sarah and his sister Marine Tolisso (left) were spotted going up the steps to the palace, as was Paul Pogba's girlfriend Maria Zulay Salaues and his mother, Yeo

Midfielder Steven N'Zonzi's wife Lynda (right) looked glamorous as she arrived for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace

Midfielder Steven N'Zonzi's wife Lynda (right) looked glamorous as she arrived for a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace

Thousands have partied on the streets overnight, proudly displaying the tricolor flag as they cheer 

Thousands have partied on the streets overnight, proudly displaying the tricolor flag as they cheer 

Defender Raphael Varane could not contain his excitement as he partied with his teammates on the bus 

Defender Raphael Varane could not contain his excitement as he partied with his teammates on the bus 

Paul Pogba's mother Yeo Moriba was seen arriving at the palace
Forward Kylian Mbappe's father Wilfried Mbappe and his brother Ethan Mbappe were also seen entering the palace

Paul Pogba's mother Yeo Moriba and forward Kylian Mbappe's father Wilfried Mbappe and his brother Ethan Mbappe were also seen entering the palace

France's forward Olivier Giroud (left), goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (second left), president Emmanuel Macron (centre), midfielder Paul Pogba (crouched down right), defender Benjamin Pavard (right) and other teammates posed for a photo with the trophy

France's forward Olivier Giroud (left), goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (second left), president Emmanuel Macron (centre), midfielder Paul Pogba (crouched down right), defender Benjamin Pavard (right) and other teammates posed for a photo with the trophy

Smoke from flares in the colour of the French national flag were seen hovering above the crowds 

Smoke from flares in the colour of the French national flag were seen hovering above the crowds 

The French football team happily celebrated on the roof of the bus as they made their way towards a triumphant parade this evening

The French football team happily celebrated on the roof of the bus as they made their way towards a triumphant parade this evening

French fighter jets also got involved in the parade, trailing smoke in the colours of the national flag over the Champs Elysee

French fighter jets also got involved in the parade, trailing smoke in the colours of the national flag over the Champs Elysee

France's national team arrived in Paris to cheering crowds as they made their way down a street near the Champs-Elysees

France's national team arrived in Paris to cheering crowds as they made their way down a street near the Champs-Elysees

Fans were seen cheering and taking photos of the team as they made their way down the street near the Arc de Triomphe

Fans were seen cheering and taking photos of the team as they made their way down the street near the Arc de Triomphe

Thousands have lined the streets to congratulate the team on their stunning 4-2 victory over Croatia 

Thousands have lined the streets to congratulate the team on their stunning 4-2 victory over Croatia 

France's forward Kylian Mbappe (left), French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (second left), France's assistant coach Guy Stephan (second right) and France's coach Didier Deschamps (right) were all seen partying on the bus

France's forward Kylian Mbappe (left), French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (second left), France's assistant coach Guy Stephan (second right) and France's coach Didier Deschamps (right) were all seen partying on the bus

Flares were spotted in the crowd as the bus made their way down the avenue escorted by a heavy police presence 

Flares were spotted in the crowd as the bus made their way down the avenue escorted by a heavy police presence 

Thousands of French people take to the streets of Paris to celebrate their football team's success in the World Cup in Moscow

Thousands of French people take to the streets of Paris to celebrate their football team's success in the World Cup in Moscow

The France team return from the World Cup in Russia, with captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holding up the trophy handed out in Russia 

The France team return from the World Cup in Russia, with captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holding up the trophy handed out in Russia 

Hugo Lloris holds up the World Cup trophy as the French national football team arrives back in Paris after their triumph in Moscow

Hugo Lloris holds up the World Cup trophy as the French national football team arrives back in Paris after their triumph in Moscow

France's Florian Thauvin gestures as he arrives at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris following his team's triumph in Russia yesterday

France's Florian Thauvin gestures as he arrives at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris following his team's triumph in Russia yesterday

The plane transporting the players was also given a heroes' welcome as it landed in Charles de Gaulle airport

The plane transporting the players was also given a heroes' welcome as it landed in Charles de Gaulle airport

Two streams of water were seen forming an arc above the plane after it landed

Two streams of water were seen forming an arc above the plane after it landed

France's fans wave French national flags as they wait for the arrival of France's national football team at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris

France's fans wave French national flags as they wait for the arrival of France's national football team at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris

Thousands of French fans clog up the Champs-Elysees in central Paris as the nation's victorious football team returns home after joy in Moscow 

Captain Hugo Lloris was the first to emerge from the Air France aircraft, raising the famed golden trophy aloft before heading down the stairs and on to a freshly laid red carpet

Captain Hugo Lloris was the first to emerge from the Air France aircraft, raising the famed golden trophy aloft before heading down the stairs and on to a freshly laid red carpet

France's defender Samuel Umtiti, defender Benjamin Mendy and midfielder Paul Pogba celebrate after disembarking from their plane upon their arrival at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport

France's defender Samuel Umtiti, defender Benjamin Mendy and midfielder Paul Pogba celebrate after disembarking from their plane upon their arrival at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport

France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates, including Paul Pogba, and the French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (L) and French Sports Minister Laura Flessel (R) upon their arrival at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport

France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates, including Paul Pogba, and the French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (L) and French Sports Minister Laura Flessel (R) upon their arrival at the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport

rance's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (2nd R) holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (2nd L), French Sports Minister Laura Flessel (R) and France's coach Didier Deschamps (L) upon their triumphant return 

rance's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (2nd R) holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (2nd L), French Sports Minister Laura Flessel (R) and France's coach Didier Deschamps (L) upon their triumphant return 

Thousands of fans congregate in the Champs-Elysees in central Paris as France celebrates its national football team's World Cup win

Thousands of fans congregate in the Champs-Elysees in central Paris as France celebrates its national football team's World Cup win

Thousands of French football fans gather near the Arc de Triomphe as the nation celebrates winning its second World Cup 

Thousands of French football fans gather near the Arc de Triomphe as the nation celebrates winning its second World Cup 

Supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees today as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team as they return from Moscow 

Supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees today as they wait for the arrival of the French national football team as they return from Moscow 

French fans walk down the Champs Elysees to welcome home their victorious football team after its triumph in Russia yesterday

French fans walk down the Champs Elysees to welcome home their victorious football team after its triumph in Russia yesterday

French supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue to welcome and cheer for the France national football after their victory in Moscow 

French supporters gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue to welcome and cheer for the France national football after their victory in Moscow 

Shattered glass and burn marks covered the pavements after the jubilation was marred with rioting and looting, with 'fans' filmed smashing their way into a Lacoste store before fleeing with armfuls of goods.

Two fans also died overnight, including a 50-year-old man who broke his neck diving into a canal in the Alpine city of Annecy, while a man in his 30s was killed when he crashed his car in nearby Saint-Felix.

Police said they arrested a total 292 people across France, with 102 of those coming in Paris following the violence which broke out on Sunday night.  

President Emmanuel Macron said today the victorious World Cup players will all be awarded the Legion of Honour - France's most prestigious award - ahead of their evening visit to the Elysee Palace. Pictured: Fans await the victorious footballers 

President Emmanuel Macron said today the victorious World Cup players will all be awarded the Legion of Honour - France's most prestigious award - ahead of their evening visit to the Elysee Palace. Pictured: Fans await the victorious footballers 

French fans descend on central Paris to celebrate their nation's second World Cup after Les Bleus beat Croatia in Moscow on Sunday 

French fans descend on central Paris to celebrate their nation's second World Cup after Les Bleus beat Croatia in Moscow on Sunday 

Two fans also died overnight, including a 50-year-old man who broke his neck diving into a canal in the Alpine city of Annecy, while a man in his 30s was killed when he crashed his car in nearby Saint-Felix. Pictured: Fans await the return of the victorious players
Fans await the return of the players

Two fans also died overnight, including a 50-year-old man who broke his neck diving into a canal in the Alpine city of Annecy, while a man in his 30s was killed when he crashed his car in nearby Saint-Felix. Pictured: Fans await the return of the victorious players 

Thousands of French fans march through the Champs-Elysees to welcome home their victorious football team after achieving World Cup glory yesterday 

Thousands of French fans march through the Champs-Elysees to welcome home their victorious football team after achieving World Cup glory yesterday 

Paris has begun cleaning up after a night of wild celebrations which was marred by looting and riots which left the streets covered in shattered glass and bottles

Staff at a GrandOptical opticians in Paris hoover up shattered glass after their shop was broken into overnight by looters

Staff at a GrandOptical opticians in Paris hoover up shattered glass after their shop was broken into overnight by looters

Burn marks were also visible on some roads after fans started fires in the French capital with 102 arrests. In total, police said they arrested 292 people across France

Burn marks were also visible on some roads after fans started fires in the French capital with 102 arrests. In total, police said they arrested 292 people across France

Looters were also filmed breaking into a Lacoste store in Paris before making away with armfuls of goods from inside

The trouble continued into Monday morning with officers were called to a Nike store on the Champs-Élysées when crowds built up eager to get their hands on new football shirts featuring a second star above the team badge to denote the win.

Following minor scuffles, it was announced that the shirts would not be put on general sale until Tuesday. 

Police are remaining in situ in Paris ahead of a victory parade by the Les Bleus team when they get back from Russia later on Monday.

French newspapers plastered images of the World Cup victory across their front pages on Monday morning

French newspapers plastered images of the World Cup victory across their front pages on Monday morning

In honour of the victory several Paris metro stations had their names changed on Monday morning, with Champs-Élysées Clemenceau renamed Deschamps-Élysées, after coach Didier Deschamps.

The station of Bercy also has its name changed to Bercy les Blues, which sounds like Merci les Blues.

Two football fans have died in France overnight as World Cup celebrations were marred by violence following the national side's victory over Croatia in Moscow.

Police forces fired tear gas as scuffles and pockets of looting broke out on the Champs-Élysées where a million people partied into the night. 

Revellers set off smoke bombs in the national colours - blue, white and red - obscuring Napoleon's triumphal arch as officers tackled the crowd using water canons.

People climbed on newspaper kiosks and bus stops in the area to wave flags while the Marseillaise national anthem rang out and cars honked their horns following the final whistle. But the celebrations soured as looters broke into shop fronts and smashed windows before they were driven back by riot police brandishing shields and batons.

In the Alpine city of Annecy, a 50-year-old France fan broke his neck after jumping into a canal at the end of the team's 4-2 triumph. Then, in nearby Saint-Felix, there was another death when a man in his 30s crashed his car into a tree as he celebrated the win.

There was also serious trouble in the eastern city of Lyon, where hundreds of youths went on the rampage, attacking cars and setting fire to wheelie-bins. One video showed a Lacoste clothes shop being ransacked, as thieves wearing France shirts ran off with T-shirts. 

Several Paris Metro stations were also renamed in honour of the win, with Champs-Élysées Clemenceau renamed Deschamps Élysées, after victorious coach Didier Deschamps

Several Paris Metro stations were also renamed in honour of the win, with Champs-Élysées Clemenceau renamed Deschamps Élysées, after victorious coach Didier Deschamps

Bercy station was also renamed Bercy les Blues, which sounds like 'merci les Blues', in thanks to the French national team

Bercy station was also renamed Bercy les Blues, which sounds like 'merci les Blues', in thanks to the French national team

It was a victory for all of France as crowds poured into Paris' Champs-Elysees Avenue (pictured) by the tens of thousands

It was a victory for all of France as crowds poured into Paris' Champs-Elysees Avenue (pictured) by the tens of thousands

Even before the final whistle in Moscow, crowds packed the Champs Elysees in central Paris in a repeat of the scenes of 1998. Pictured: Water cannons are used to clear revellers from the Avenue

Even before the final whistle in Moscow, crowds packed the Champs Elysees in central Paris in a repeat of the scenes of 1998. Pictured: Water cannons are used to clear revellers from the Avenue

French fans faced off against riot police on the packed Champs-Elysee as officers attempt to disperse massive crowds. Pictured: A man falls to the floor after inhaling tear gas as French football fans clash with police following celebrations around the Arc de Triomph

French fans faced off against riot police on the packed Champs-Elysee as officers attempt to disperse massive crowds. Pictured: A man falls to the floor after inhaling tear gas as French football fans clash with police following celebrations around the Arc de Triomph

France's 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup final marks the second time in 20 years France has won the World Cup

France's 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup final marks the second time in 20 years France has won the World Cup

France fans clash on the Champs-Elysee following their nation's win in Moscow

France fans clash on the Champs-Elysee following their nation's win in Moscow

About 4,000 police watched over the fan zone - packed to its 90,000 capacity - during the match, then moved to the Champs-Elysees and neighboring streets

About 4,000 police watched over the fan zone - packed to its 90,000 capacity - during the match, then moved to the Champs-Elysees and neighboring streets

Dozens of youths shattered windows at a popular store on the Champs Elysees avenue as festivities spiraled out of control

Dozens of youths shattered windows at a popular store on the Champs Elysees avenue as festivities spiraled out of control

There was also serious trouble in the eastern city of Lyon, where hundreds of youths went on the rampage, attacking cars and setting fire to wheelie-bins

There was also serious trouble in the eastern city of Lyon, where hundreds of youths went on the rampage, attacking cars and setting fire to wheelie-bins

French anti riot police officers stand guard during clashes in Lyon amid reports hundreds went on the rampage during World Cup celebrations

French anti riot police officers stand guard during clashes in Lyon amid reports hundreds went on the rampage during World Cup celebrations

A car was torched as rioters went on the rampage in the French city of Lyon after the country's World Cup triumph yesterday

A car was torched as rioters went on the rampage in the French city of Lyon after the country's World Cup triumph yesterday

Public fountains and other monuments in cities such as Bordeaux and Marseille, as well as Lyon, were filled with youths brandishing flares and throwing bottles.

In Aubenas, in the Ardeche department, three pedestrians walking on the pavement were hit by a car, and then taken to hospital. And in Ajaccio, on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, scuffles broke out between France and Croatia supporters.

In Frouard, near the city of Nancy, a three-year-old boy and two six-year-old girls were seriously injured after being struck by a motorcycle, which then fled the scene. 

The worst scenes, however, were in central Paris, where the Champs Elysee remained closed in the early hours of Monday after water cannon was used to disperse crowds. 

Hundreds of police in riot gear were discretely lined up on side streets to monitor revellers. Typically, celebrations in France end up with some broken shop windows and other destruction, and Sunday was no exception. 

Tear gas was lobbed at one point on the Champs-Elysees. About 4,000 police watched over the fan zone - packed to its 90,000 capacity - during the match, then moved to the Champs-Elysees and neighboring streets. 

About 30 people, many wearing ski masks, broke into the Publicis Drugstore, leaving with bottles of wine and champagne, smiling and filming themselves with cellphones.

Some also threw objects including bottles and chairs at police forces who responded with tear gas.

'That's not how you celebrate,' a tearful bystander wearing a French team jersey said.

Some 4,000 police and security forces have been deployed across Paris during the World Cup festivities, and a vast security perimeter prohibiting vehicle access has been set up around the Champs Elysees avenue

Some 4,000 police and security forces have been deployed across Paris during the World Cup festivities, and a vast security perimeter prohibiting vehicle access has been set up around the Champs Elysees avenue

As the hundreds of thousands of revellers gradually left the famous avenue, police used water cannon to disperse remaining troublemakers at around 1130pm

As the hundreds of thousands of revellers gradually left the famous avenue, police used water cannon to disperse remaining troublemakers at around 1130pm

The worst scenes were in central Paris, where the Champs Elysee remained closed in the early hours of Monday following widespread rioting and looting.

The worst scenes were in central Paris, where the Champs Elysee remained closed in the early hours of Monday following widespread rioting and looting.

 Fans have poured into the streets across the country after the country's second World Cup win, many waving flags and letting off smoke bombs

 Fans have poured into the streets across the country after the country's second World Cup win, many waving flags and letting off smoke bombs

Dozens of youths shattered windows at a popular store on the Champs Elysees avenue Sunday while hundreds of thousands of fans celebrated France's World Cup victory

Dozens of youths shattered windows at a popular store on the Champs Elysees avenue Sunday while hundreds of thousands of fans celebrated France's World Cup victory

Some 4,000 police and security forces have been deployed across Paris during the World Cup festivities, and a vast security perimeter prohibiting vehicle access has been set up around the Champs Elysees avenue

Some 4,000 police and security forces have been deployed across Paris during the World Cup festivities, and a vast security perimeter prohibiting vehicle access has been set up around the Champs Elysees avenue

People wrapped in flags arched down the avenue where France displayed its military might a day earlier for Bastille Day

People wrapped in flags arched down the avenue where France displayed its military might a day earlier for Bastille Day

Troublemakers marred some of the festivities at the top of the Champs-Elysees, breaking the window of a major store, throwing bottles, temporary barriers and even a bicycle at riot police as the celebrations wound down close to midnight. Police responded with water cannon and tear gas

Troublemakers marred some of the festivities at the top of the Champs-Elysees, breaking the window of a major store, throwing bottles, temporary barriers and even a bicycle at riot police as the celebrations wound down close to midnight. Police responded with water cannon and tear gas

A woman shows her dismay after violence broke out on the streets of Paris in the wake of France's World Cup victory last night

A woman shows her dismay after violence broke out on the streets of Paris in the wake of France's World Cup victory last night

Riot police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse crowds after wild celebrations in the city got out of hand. Two fans are pictured covering their faces

Riot police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse crowds after wild celebrations in the city got out of hand. Two fans are pictured covering their faces

As the hundreds of thousands of revellers gradually left the famous avenue, police used water cannon to disperse remaining troublemakers at around 11.30pm.

Elsewhere in France, authorities said clashes erupted in the southern city of Lyon between police and about 100 youths who had climbed on top of a police vehicle at an open-air showing of the match in the city centre. 

As night fell, The Eiffel Tower flashed 1998-2018 to mark France's two World Cup titles.

The Arc de Triomph was awash in the national colours, lit with the rooster, the faces of the winning team and the words 'Proud to be Blue,' or French. The celebrations were spread across the nation.

For all the crazy antics - and some revellers who got out of control - a sense of patriotism and unity was almost visceral.     

Fans tend to an injured supporter as World Cup victory celebrations turned ugly overnight in Paris. Riot police were called in to disperse crowds

Fans tend to an injured supporter as World Cup victory celebrations turned ugly overnight in Paris. Riot police were called in to disperse crowds

French riot police disperse people on the Champs-Elysees amid wild celebrations following France's second World Cup victory

French riot police disperse people on the Champs-Elysees amid wild celebrations following France's second World Cup victory

There were clashes in the French capital as riot police were called in to disperse crowds celebrating the country's World Cup win

There were clashes in the French capital as riot police were called in to disperse crowds celebrating the country's World Cup win

A couple carry their child away from a flash point as riot police watch on amid scenes of violence in the French capital last night

A couple carry their child away from a flash point as riot police watch on amid scenes of violence in the French capital last night

The World Cup winning jubilation was marred by ugly scenes as clashes unfolded in central Paris. A man is pictured kicking a tear gas canister thrown by riot police

The World Cup winning jubilation was marred by ugly scenes as clashes unfolded in central Paris. A man is pictured kicking a tear gas canister thrown by riot police

A fan takes aim during violent scenes in the French capital last night. Hundreds of thousands flocked to the city centre to celebrate the national side's historic victory

A fan takes aim during violent scenes in the French capital last night. Hundreds of thousands flocked to the city centre to celebrate the national side's historic victory

One fan was left covered in blood on the ground after being caught up in violent scenes in the wake of France's victory

One fan was left covered in blood on the ground after being caught up in violent scenes in the wake of France's victory

A man in a France shirt holds his hands up as he walks past French riot police. Celebrations were marred by clashes overnight

A man in a France shirt holds his hands up as he walks past French riot police. Celebrations were marred by clashes overnight

Earlier the crowds had gathered next to the Eiffel tower to watch the match on vast TV screens.

There were choruses of the Marseillaise and hundreds of thousands of red, white and blue French flags fluttering in the breeze.

The boom of fireworks and firecrackers filled the air and car drivers honked their horns incessantly to celebrate France's second world title after their triumph on home soil in 1998.

A deafening chorus of 'We are the champions, We are the champions' rang out from the Sacre Coeur in the north of the city to the Sorbonne on the Left Bank.

Even before the final whistle, crowds streamed on to the Champs Elysees, the elegant, tree-lined boulevard that runs up to the Arc de Triomphe, the traditional gathering place for celebration, including the Bastille Day parade 24 hours earlier.

'It's just astonishing what they've done,' said Josh, 41, who travelled from Brittany to Paris to watch the match. 'Pogba, Mbappe, Grizou (Griezmann). They're on top of the world,' he said, naming three of the standout players.

Hundred of thousands of French fans flooded the Champs-Elysees to celebrate their nation's World Cup win

Hundred of thousands of French fans flooded the Champs-Elysees to celebrate their nation's World Cup win

Triumph: 90,000 people gathered next to the Eiffel tower to watch the match on vast TV screens

Triumph: 90,000 people gathered next to the Eiffel tower to watch the match on vast TV screens

French fans on the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower watch their team's triumph against Croatia in the World Cup final 

French fans on the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower watch their team's triumph against Croatia in the World Cup final 

French fans celebrate their side's victory in front of the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday

French fans celebrate their side's victory in front of the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrates wildly after France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the World Cup final 

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrates wildly after France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the World Cup final 

French fans watching the game near the Champs-Elysees in Paris celebrate victory

French fans watching the game near the Champs-Elysees in Paris celebrate victory

French fans watching the game at the Champs de Mars in Paris celebrate after their side's 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow 

French fans watching the game at the Champs de Mars in Paris celebrate after their side's 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow 

'We're the champions of the world! It's phenomenal, just phenomenal.'

Even football fans who were not rooting for France but found themselves in the French capital for the game were overcome by the occasion and the amazing scenes of celebration.

'France was not my team but I am so pleased for them today,' said Sarah, a 24-year-old from Birmingham in England who is studying medicine in Paris.

'The players just showed something special all along, something that I liked, and I was not sure they would win today but they did. A lot of people are going to be drunk, if not already.'

French fans watch the game under the Eiffel Tower in Paris as their side won a second World Cup title with victory over Croatia

French fans watch the game under the Eiffel Tower in Paris as their side won a second World Cup title with victory over Croatia

France fans celebrate in Paris as they watch their side claim a second World Cup title with a win over Croatia in Moscow 

France fans celebrate in Paris as they watch their side claim a second World Cup title with a win over Croatia in Moscow 

Paris erupts as French fans celebrate their side's World Cup triumph on the Champs-Elysees in the city centre today 

Paris erupts as French fans celebrate their side's World Cup triumph on the Champs-Elysees in the city centre today 

French television channels showed scenes of celebration in Marseille and across the south of France while in Moscow, where tens of thousands of fans travelled to watch the game, together with President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, there were tears of joy among the sea of red, white and blue.  

While the French celebrated, Croats in Russia and at home contemplated their loss.

Euphoria gave way to a mixture of disappointment and pride for Croatia fans after the national team's first World Cup final ended in disappointment.

Their entry into the World Cup final in Russia brought the country of 4 million people to a standstill as officials and the media described the event as the biggest in Croatia's sports history.

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris kisses the World Cup trophy as France players celebrate their dramatic win over Croatia 

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris kisses the World Cup trophy as France players celebrate their dramatic win over Croatia 

Fans wave their flags near the Eiffel Tower in Paris as they watch their side win a second World Cup with a win over Croatia 

Fans wave their flags near the Eiffel Tower in Paris as they watch their side win a second World Cup with a win over Croatia 

French fans carry flags and baguettes as they watch their side take on Croatia in the final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium today

French fans carry flags and baguettes as they watch their side take on Croatia in the final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium today

French fans cheer in the stadium as they watched their side win the World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow 

French fans cheer in the stadium as they watched their side win the World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow 

French fans watching a live screening of the game in Marseille celebrate one of their team's goals against Croatia today

French fans watching a live screening of the game in Marseille celebrate one of their team's goals against Croatia today

Fans in the capital Zagreb had crammed into squares and streets and were full of hope and cheering until the last moment. 

As the game ended they couldn't hide sadness but many said they were happy at what Croatia has achieved.

Aleksandar Todorovic says 'Of course I am sad. I could see them lift the trophy, but this is really fantastic.'

 

Celebrations through the roof! Croatian football team risk life and limb as they stand on the cab of their open-top bus during heroes’ welcome home to Zagreb 

The World Cup finalists were greeted with a heroes' welcome today as they arrived in Zagreb after their defeat against France.

The Croatian football team were greeted with flares and cheering as they made their way to Bana Jelacica Square in the capital having reached the final for the first time ever.

Croatia have been in the World Cup five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, finishing in third place back in 1998.

Thousands of fans packed into the square in Zagreb to try and get a glimpse of the team after arriving home earlier this evening.

Thousands of fans crowded into Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb to catch a glimpse of their heroes this evening

Thousands of fans crowded into Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb to catch a glimpse of their heroes this evening

The Croatian football team were given a heroes welcome despite their loss to France, having reached the final for the first time

The Croatian football team were given a heroes welcome despite their loss to France, having reached the final for the first time

The players were seen sat on top of the bus holding flares as crowds attempted to catch a glimpse of them

The players were seen sat on top of the bus holding flares as crowds attempted to catch a glimpse of them

Earlier today Croatians held a giant banner with the national colours of the country

Earlier today Croatians held a giant banner with the national colours of the country

Domagoj Vida, Luka Modric, Sime Vrsaljko, Ante Rebic, Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka were seen celebrating on top of the bus

Domagoj Vida, Luka Modric, Sime Vrsaljko, Ante Rebic, Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka were seen celebrating on top of the bus

The team looked jubilant as they greeted crowds. Croatia have been in the World Cup just five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991

The team looked jubilant as they greeted crowds. Croatia have been in the World Cup just five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991

Team captain Luka Modrić said: 'I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don't win. 

'I don't really realise what has happened yet - the World Cup is a lot.

'But I'm so proud of this team, the players, the staff. We were really united as a group. We did something incredible, we made history and we are going to enjoy it.'

The crowd gathered was estimated at 100,000 people earlier today

The crowd gathered was estimated at 100,000 people earlier today

Flares lit up the crowd as they welcomed home the nation's football team in the square in Zagreb

Flares lit up the crowd as they welcomed home the nation's football team in the square in Zagreb

Team captain Luka Modri¿ said: 'I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don't win'

Team captain Luka Modrić said: 'I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don't win'

One fan climbed up the side of a pole to get a better view of the team among a sea of red and white chequered shirts

One fan climbed up the side of a pole to get a better view of the team among a sea of red and white chequered shirts

Supporters were seen on the roof of buildings and hanging flags from windows as they waited to see their heroes

Supporters were seen on the roof of buildings and hanging flags from windows as they waited to see their heroes

Earlier today the Croatia side were snapped flying out of Russia with their silver medals on show at Moscow airport.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren shared footage on his Instagram of fans greeting the team as they travelled on an open-top bus.

Striker Mario Mandzukic was also pictured signing a policeman's helmet as they celebrated their second place finish today.

Crowds of fans looked delighted as they greeted the Croatian team as they stood on top of an open top bus

Crowds of fans looked delighted as they greeted the Croatian team as they stood on top of an open top bus

A Croatian Air Force helicopter above the crowds flew the nation's flag over the square

A Croatian Air Force helicopter above the crowds flew the nation's flag over the square

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