Spain stars lap up adulation of estimated two million during World Cup parade
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MADRID – New World Cup champions Spain enjoyed a vibrant celebration parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on the evening of July 20, with a jubilant crowd of an estimated two million people out to celebrate, according to local authorities.
The players – some shirtless, others holding drinks – set off on their procession under a blazing sun, along the main arteries in the city centre where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, before arriving at Cibeles Square, where they took to the stage and partied into the night.
The squad and coach Luis de la Fuente were introduced one by one to the fans, each with their own choice of music that they sung along to, wearing “We are champions” shirts.
“(Spain) showed the world what it is to work together, with one mind and one heart,” said Colombian pop superstar Shakira in a video message played to the team and crowd.
De la Fuente offered a similar message, hailing his players as the “best in the world” and telling fans not to forget that “together we are stronger”.
The players and staff posed for a photo before captain Rodri raised the trophy again, just as he had done on July 19 after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey to be crowned champions.
Ferran Torres’ strike in extra time was enough to bring Spain their second World Cup, following a first victory in 2010.
After flying back from the United States to Madrid, the players were received by King Felipe VI and the royal family earlier on July 20 and then Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, before kicking off the parade.
Spain players presenting the World Cup winner’s trophy to Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on July 20.
PHOTO: EPA
Players passed around the gleaming World Cup trophy and waved to their adoring supporters – some lining balconies, others on top of bus stops.
“You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage... combining head and heart,” the king told La Roja’s stars, who were dressed in suits but changed to more casual clothing for their parade on a hot summer’s day.
“Kings of the world” ran the words on the front of their vehicle, with fans chanting “champions” to their heroes.
Midfielder Rodri holds the trophy as Spain's players parade onboard an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on July 20.
PHOTO: AFP
Rodri held the World Cup trophy aloft at the top of the stairs as he descended from the Iberia plane that flew the team home after clinching their second star.
The Manchester City midfielder said this was the crowning achievement of his career.
“I’ve always said it, winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” said the 30-year-old.
“This generation grew up watching (Iker) Casillas and (Andres) Iniesta lift the cup and that we can do it today is the biggest thing you can do in football.”
Many younger supporters were not yet born when Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands secured Spain’s first World Cup in South Africa 16 years ago.
Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20 as they await the arrival of Spain’s players one day after the team won their second World Cup title.
PHOTO: AFP
“I’m really happy about the second star Spain has earned, very joyful,” said Hector Mollar, a 14-year-old student who said he was able to see Torres, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino as the bus parade passed.
It is “very different” to live a day like today than to have someone tell you about it, Hector added.
Match-winner Torres joked he was “flying, literally” after the team returned from the US.
The bus parade of the World Cup winners started at Moncloa before heading towards Cibeles Square, a traditional celebration point for the team, where hordes of fans had reserved their spots hours in advance.
Players lifted coach de la Fuente into the air towards the end of a night of pure joy for La Roja.
Spain fans gather at Cibeles Square in Madrid during the victory parade as they celebrate after winning the World Cup.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Spain’s women’s side won the World Cup in 2023, meaning for the first time a country has both trophies at the same time.
In 2030, Spain’s men’s team will defend their crown on home soil, as one of the World Cup co-hosts along with Portugal and Morocco.
“It’s two for two,” said Sanchez, of Spain’s record in World Cup finals.
“Why not dream of a third in 2030, especially with Spain as hosts?”
Spain’s Rodri celebrates with the World Cup trophy and teammates on stage at Cibeles Square in Madrid.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Argentina, despite the presence of all-time great Lionel Messi, failed to create clear chances against Spain’s well-organised and more positive side in the July 19 final.
Messi had a sensational World Cup but drifted through the final like a ghost, shedding tears at the end.
In Madrid, tears also flowed on the night of July 20, but they were tears of joy. AFP
