Paris Olympics: Zinedine Zidane Gets The Party Started As The Last Torch Bearer Of Olympic Flame

The Paris Olympics 2024 have officially kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony over River Seine as the 206 Nations were unveiled on boats with the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

As the Opening Ceremony commenced, France's football legend and sporting icon, Zinedine Zidane got the party started in the ‘City of Lights’ as he became the last torch bearer of the Olympic Flame. 

Zinedine Zidane Gets The Party Started

Zinedine Zidane officially got the party started at the Paris Olympics as he took the Olympic Torch from the wrong destination of Stade De France and took it back to the destination to kicstart the Paris Olympics. 

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A Grand Opening Ceremony Over River Seine

Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy, showcasing the city’s resilience as authorities dealt with suspected acts of sabotage that targeted France's high-speed rail network.

But as global audiences tuned in, the show's spectacular launch at 7:30 p.m. lifted spirits. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang, in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel to the start of what is expected to be a more than three-hour show.

Crowds crammed along the River Seine and watching from balconies “oohed” and “ahhed” as Olympic teams began parading in boats along the waterway.

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The stakes for France were immense. Dozens of heads of state and government were in town and the world was watching as Paris turned itself into a giant open-air theater.

Paris’ ceremony was unfurling along the River Seine, turning the city’s iconic monuments into stages for dancers, singers and other artists.

(With AP Inputs)