Madrid: Newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions Spain received a spectacular homecoming on Monday as an estimated two million fans lined the streets of Madrid to celebrate the team's historic triumph.
The celebrations began with an open-top bus parade through the Spanish capital, where players proudly displayed the World Cup trophy while waving to thousands of supporters dressed in the country's iconic red and yellow colours. Despite the scorching summer heat, fans packed the city's main avenues, balconies, and bus stops to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
The parade concluded at Madrid's iconic Cibeles Square, where players, coaching staff, and supporters celebrated late into the night. Each member of the squad, along with head coach Luis de la Fuente, was introduced individually on stage, accompanied by their chosen entrance music while wearing special "We Are Champions" shirts.
In a recorded video message, global pop star Shakira praised Spain's achievement.
> "Spain showed the world what it means to work together with one mind and one heart."
Coach Luis de la Fuente echoed that message, describing his squad as "the best in the world" and reminding supporters that "together we are stronger."
The team posed for a commemorative photograph before captain Rodri once again lifted the World Cup trophy, recreating the unforgettable moment from Sunday night's final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to secure their second FIFA World Cup title.
Upon returning from the United States, the Spanish squad was welcomed by King Felipe VI and members of the royal family before meeting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Following the official receptions, the players began their victory parade through Madrid.
Their bus, bearing the slogan "Kings of the World," made its way through the city as fans chanted "Champions" and celebrated Spain's latest football triumph.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri described winning the World Cup as the greatest achievement of his career.
> "Winning with your country is the most beautiful thing in football, especially a World Cup. We grew up watching Iker Casillas and Andrés Iniesta lift this trophy, and now we've experienced that moment ourselves."
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres' extra-time winner against Argentina, adding another star to the nation's football history after their maiden triumph in 2010.
Fourteen-year-old supporter Héctor Mollar said witnessing the celebrations in person was unforgettable.
> "I'm incredibly happy about Spain's second star. Experiencing this yourself is completely different from simply hearing stories about it."
Match-winner Ferran Torres joked that he was "literally flying" after returning home from the United States with the World Cup trophy.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the team's achievement, noting Spain's perfect record in World Cup finals and expressing optimism about defending the title in 2030.
Spain will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco, raising hopes of another memorable tournament on home soil.
The country's women's national team also won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, making Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles.
Messi Left Heartbroken
Despite arriving at the final with Lionel Messi in outstanding form, Argentina struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against a disciplined Spanish side.
An emotional Messi was seen in tears after the final whistle before later posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
> "The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal."
He also congratulated Spain on their historic achievement.
While tears flowed in Madrid on Monday night, they were tears of joy as Spain celebrated another unforgettable chapter in its football history.
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বুধবার, ২২ জুলাই ২০২৬
Published : ২১ জুলাই ২০২৬
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