MADRID — Newly crowned World Cup champions Spain basked in a euphoric night of celebration Monday as an estimated two million supporters lined the streets of Madrid for an open-top bus parade through the capital.
Under brilliant sunshine, the squad traveled along the city’s main thoroughfares, where a sea of red-and-yellow clad fans awaited their heroes. The procession culminated at Cibeles Square — the traditional celebration ground for La Roja — where players took to the stage for a jubilant celebration that stretched deep into the evening.
Coach Luis de la Fuente and each player were introduced individually to the roaring crowd, wearing “We are champions” shirts and accompanied by their personal song choices. In a video message played to the masses, pop icon Shakira praised the team for showing “what it is to work together, with one mind and one heart.” De la Fuente echoed the sentiment, hailing his players as the “best in the world” and reminding fans that “together we are stronger.”
The festivities followed a whirlwind return from the United States, where Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday to claim their second World Cup title. Upon landing in Madrid, the delegation was received by King Felipe VI and the royal family, followed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, before embarking on the parade route from Moncloa Palace toward Cibeles.
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who lifted the trophy both in New Jersey and again at Cibeles, described the triumph as the crowning achievement of his career. “Winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” he said. “This generation grew up watching Casillas and Iniesta lift the cup, and that we can do it today is the biggest thing you can do in football.”
For 14-year-old Héctor Mollar, witnessing the parade — and catching glimpses of Ferran Torres, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Merino — was a defining moment. “It’s very different to live a day like today than to have someone tell you about it,” he said.
Spain’s victory, secured by Torres’s extra-time strike, adds a second star above the crest 14 years after Andrés Iniesta’s goal delivered the nation’s first World Cup in South Africa. The women’s team captured their own World Cup title in 2023, making Spain the first country to hold both senior trophies simultaneously.
Argentina, despite Lionel Messi’s brilliance throughout the tournament, struggled to generate clear opportunities against Spain’s organized and enterprising side. Messi, who departed the final in tears, later wrote on Instagram: “The pain is immense, and it’s going to be hard for this wound to heal,” while extending congratulations to the victors.
As the night unfolded in Madrid, tears flowed once more — but these were tears of unbridled joy. With Spain set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco, Prime Minister Sánchez dared to dream further: “It’s two for two. Why not dream of a third in 2030, especially with Spain as hosts?”
