Spain’s World Cup-winning football team received a royal welcome and paraded through Madrid, greeted by an estimated crowd of nearly 2 million people. The team arrived in the Spanish capital after securing a 1-0 victory against Argentina in the final, held in New Jersey, United States.
The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country’s royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday. Sanchez thanked the coaches and players for their style of play, effort, and victory, stating that the nation truly enjoyed watching them compete.
Triumphant Parade Through Madrid
Following their royal reception, the squad boarded an open-top bus for a lively parade through central Madrid. The bus, adorned with the message “Stars shine together” and photos of the footballers, carried the World Cup trophy. Players wore shirts emblazoned with “Somos Campeones” (“We Are Champions”) and interacted with fans along the route.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his joy before the parade, calling it an emotional and proud experience to represent a country with such passionate fans. The team traveled along Madrid’s historic avenues, from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, to Cibeles Square.
Authorities reported that approximately 120,000 people gathered at Cibeles Square for a ceremony. Fans had begun securing their spots at the square late Monday morning, bringing umbrellas to shield themselves from temperatures reaching up to 35 Celsius (95 F). This square is a traditional celebration spot for previous Spain teams and Real Madrid title wins. Singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo were scheduled to entertain the crowd at the ceremony.
Officials estimated that around 1.8 million people welcomed the team across Madrid. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Spain’s second World Cup title, and their first since 2010 in South Africa.
Nationwide Celebrations and Reactions
After the final whistle, Madrid erupted in celebrations, with thousands of supporters filling the streets from bars and restaurants. Many were draped in Spanish flags or wore the team’s colors. Crowds gathered in the capital’s Puerta del Sol and other major squares, singing, dancing, and setting off flares, accompanied by blaring car horns. Celebrations continued into the early hours of Monday morning.
Victor Alvarez, 19, expressed his happiness, stating he only slept for a few hours but would do whatever it takes for the team. The men’s victory, combined with Spain’s Women’s World Cup win in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both titles simultaneously. Gema Rodero, a 59-year-old civil servant, described the experience as very exciting, preferring to watch the match at home.
The triumph marks the first time many young supporters have witnessed the men’s team lift the trophy, leading to widespread national excitement. However, celebrations were marred by a tragic incident in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, where a 13-year-old died after a fountain he had climbed with friends collapsed during the festivities.
Argentina’s Disappointment
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi of Argentina expressed immense pain following his team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. He stated that the wound would take time to heal but also acknowledged the positive aspects of their journey.
Messi, at 39 years old, is unlikely to participate in the 2030 tournament, though he has not yet clarified his international future. He has now lost two World Cup finals, with the previous defeat being 1-0 against Germany in 2014. Despite the loss, Messi congratulated Spain on their championship victory.
He contributed eight goals and four assists as Argentina reached the final for the third time in the past four World Cups. Messi played a crucial role in his side’s comeback victories against Egypt and England in the knockout stages, but they could not overcome a Spain team that conceded only one goal throughout the entire tournament.
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Source: aljazeera.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
