Spain’s triumphant return
Spain‘s World Cup-winning football team received a grand welcome upon their return to Madrid. An estimated 1.8 million people gathered to greet the squad as they paraded through the city streets. The 26 players and their coaching staff first met with members of the country’s royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday. This reception followed their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final, which took place in New Jersey, United States.
Prime Minister Sanchez commended the team, stating, “Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort, and the victory. We have truly enjoyed watching you play.” The team then embarked on a celebratory parade aboard an open-top bus, which bore the message “Stars shine together” and featured photographs of the footballers. The players, donning shirts emblazoned with “Somos Campeones” (“We Are Champions”), carried the World Cup trophy and engaged with fans along the route.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain‘s coach, expressed his feelings before the parade, saying, “It’s been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans. We are filled with joy.” The parade route traversed Madrid’s historic avenues, commencing near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, and concluding at Cibeles Square.
Celebrations across the capital
Authorities reported that approximately 120,000 people were present at Cibeles Square for the ceremony. Fans had begun securing their spots at the square late on Monday morning, bringing umbrellas to shield themselves from temperatures reaching up to 35 Celsius (95 F). This square is a traditional site for celebrations by Spain‘s teams and their supporters, as well as for Real Madrid when they secure titles.
The ceremony at Cibeles Square featured performances by singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo. The victory, secured by Ferran Torres‘ extra-time goal, marked Spain‘s second World Cup title, and their first since 2010 in South Africa. Following the final whistle, Madrid erupted in celebrations, with thousands of supporters filling the streets from bars and restaurants, many adorned in Spanish flags or the team’s colours.
Crowds gathered in prominent locations such as Puerta del Sol and other major squares, where they sang, danced, and set off flares. Car horns blared as celebrations continued into the early hours of Monday morning. Victor Alvarez, a 19-year-old fan, commented on the festivities, stating, “I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
A historic achievement and a somber note
The men’s World Cup victory, combined with Spain’s win in the Women’s World Cup in 2023, makes Spain the first European nation to hold both titles concurrently. Gema Rodero, a 59-year-old civil servant, shared her experience of watching the final, saying, “Honestly, it was very exciting. We preferred not to go to any bar or anything, to experience it at home, focused and very happy, very joyful.”
The team received congratulations from the leaders of the three co-hosting countries of the tournament: US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. For many younger supporters, this triumph represents their first opportunity to witness the men’s team lift the trophy and experience the national excitement that followed.
However, the celebrations were marred by a tragic incident. Local authorities reported the death of a 13-year-old in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, after a fountain he had climbed onto with friends to celebrate collapsed. Meanwhile, Argentina‘s captain Lionel Messi expressed his profound disappointment following the loss, stating that the pain was immense and would take time to heal, while also congratulating Spain on their championship win.
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Source: aljazeera.com
