When Paris Saint-Germain's ultras march through Budapest ahead of the final against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena on Saturday evening, the familiar sounds of powerful chants and crackling flares will once again showcase the club's fervent support on the European stage. Yet among the thousands of traveling supporters, a small but growing contingent of women will take their place, reflecting a quiet transformation within a culture long defined by masculine codes.
Sociologist Nicolas Hourcade, a specialist in fan culture, estimates that women now make up between 10 and 20 percent of ultra groups, depending on the club. "The ultra culture, born between the 1960s and 1980s, is rooted in opposition, domination, and virility—traditional masculine values," he explains. "For a woman, joining this circle requires a form of self-affirmation, asking oneself: 'Am I legitimate here?'"
Hourcade also points to structural barriers. "Men have more opportunities to enter this world—as a brother, a cousin, or a friend. It's more organic for them," he says. The sociologist's observations underline the gradual but persistent shift in a subculture that has historically marginalized female participation.
The shift has been decades in the making. Early ultra groups in Italy and France were almost exclusively male, using song and spectacle to project strength and territorial control. Women who attempted to join often faced skepticism or outright hostility. Today, while residual sexism persists, the growing presence of women in leadership roles within some groups has helped normalize their participation.
While PSG has declined to provide specific data on the gender breakdown of its home stands at the Parc des Princes, the Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP), the club's main ultra group, acknowledges an increasingly visible female presence. "Fifteen or twenty years ago, it was much rarer. Today, women are an integral part of the crowd in the stands," a CUP representative said. "We don't differentiate between men and women. Anyone motivated to get involved is welcome, and we are proud to attract more women. It shows they feel comfortable and at home in the stands."
This evolution is not unique to PSG. Across Europe, fan scenes are slowly diversifying, though the core ultra identity remains intertwined with notions of physicality and tribal loyalty. The journey for women in this sphere often involves navigating a landscape where acceptance must be earned through unwavering dedication and vocal support.
The upcoming final against Arsenal offers a high-profile stage for these dynamics. As the Parisian ultras prepare their choreography, chants, and pyrotechnics, the women among them will contribute to the atmosphere just as passionately as their male counterparts. Their presence challenges outdated stereotypes and broadens the definition of what it means to be a devoted fan.
For many female ultras, the matchday experience is about belonging and shared emotion, not gender. "I find it's more natural today," one supporter might feel, echoing the sentiment that while the world remains predominantly male, the barriers are slowly eroding. The CUP's insistence on inclusiveness signals a willingness to adapt, even if the broader ultra movement retains its traditional edge.
The significance extends beyond the terraces. As women become more visible in fan cultures, they help reshape the image of football support, making it more accessible and representative. This could have long-term implications for how clubs engage with their fanbases and how the sport markets itself globally.
In Budapest, when the smoke clears and the first whistle blows, the voices of those women will rise in unison with thousands of others. Their presence is a testament to the long path traveled and the road still ahead. As Hourcade suggests, the numbers may still skew heavily male, but the trend points toward a more inclusive future.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
