Hollywood star Tom Cruise abseiled from the roof of the Stade de France at the climax of the Paris Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, leaving the country to reluctantly bid farewell to a Games hailed as one of the most successful in history. Cruise descended on a wire in front of 71,500 spectators, grabbed the Olympic flag and jumped on a motorbike, to the delight of athletes and fans.

US' actor Tom Cruise jumps from the roof of the Stade de France during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, in the outskirts of Paris.--AFP photos

US' actor Tom Cruise descends from the roof of the stadium during the closing ceremony.

US' actor Tom Cruise waves the Olympic flag.

US' actor Tom Cruise receives the Olympic flag from US' gymnast Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Athletes enter the stadium during the closing ceremony.

French singer-songwriter Yseult performs during the closing ceremony.

A performer takes part during the closing ceremony.

French pianist Alain Roche plays the "Hymne to Apollo" as French lyric tenor Benjamin Bernheim sings during the closing ceremony.

In a preview of what the world can expect when the Games head to Los Angeles in 2028, the “Mission Impossible” star was then shown boarding a plane and skydiving into the Californian city before adorning the iconic Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings.

Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.

Athletes enter the stadium during the closing ceremony.

(From left) FINNEAS and Billie Eilish perform at the LA28 Olympic Games Handover Celebration.

(From left) Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the LA28 Olympic Handover Celebration.

(From left) Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform at the LA28 Olympic Games Handover Celebration.

Snoop Dogg performs at the LA28 Olympic Games Handover Celebration.

An overview shows US' actor Tom Cruise leaving the stadium with the Olympic flag on a motorbike during the closing ceremony.

US singer H.E.R performs during the closing ceremony.

French rock band Phoenix perform during the closing ceremony.

Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, singer Billie Eilish and rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre then performed a mini-concert on a beach framed by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Newspapers in France and Europe hailed a fitting end to a dazzling fortnight that has mixed sport and culture while modernizing the Olympic format. — AFP