Spain's Football Team Celebrates World Cup Win With Massive Madrid Parade

Spain's FIFA World Cup-winning men's football team received a hero's welcome in Madrid on Monday, with an estimated 1.8 million people lining the streets to celebrate the nation's second World Cup triumph. The celebrations came a day after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, securing its first men's World Cup title since 2010. The victorious squad was greeted by jubilant fans as they returned home carrying the coveted trophy.

The 26-member squad and coaching staff began the day's celebrations with official receptions hosted by Spain's royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Congratulating the team, Sánchez praised the players and coaching staff for their achievements and entertaining style of football, thanking them for bringing pride and joy to the country through their successful World Cup campaign.

Following the official ceremonies, the players boarded an open-top bus emblazoned with the slogan "Stars shine together" and travelled through Madrid's historic streets to Cibeles Square, the traditional venue for major sporting celebrations in the Spanish capital. Wearing shirts reading "Somos Campeones" ("We Are Champions"), the players waved to supporters, danced along the route and proudly displayed the World Cup trophy. At the celebration in Cibeles Square, players were introduced individually, with midfielder Álex Baena marking his 25th birthday by entering the stage carrying the trophy.

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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente thanked supporters for their unwavering backing, describing it as an emotional and proud moment for the team. During the ceremony, the coach was lifted into the air by his players in celebration, while striker Borja Iglesias briefly took over as a DJ, entertaining teammates and fans alike. Musical performances by Spanish artists Aitana, Ana Mena and Lola Índigo added to the festive atmosphere before the squad lifted the World Cup trophy once again in front of thousands of supporters gathered at the square.

The celebrations began even before the team's arrival, with fans occupying prime viewing spots from Monday morning despite temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. Across Madrid, supporters filled major landmarks including Puerta del Sol, singing, dancing and waving Spanish flags late into the night following Sunday's victory. However, the celebrations were also marked by tragedy after local authorities reported that a 13-year-old boy died in Salamanca when a fountain he had climbed with friends reportedly collapsed during the festivities.

Spain's latest triumph is viewed as another landmark moment in the country's football history. Ferran Torres' extra-time winner secured the men's team's second World Cup title and, combined with Spain's triumph in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, made the nation the first to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles. The achievement has been widely celebrated across Spain, with leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada—the tournament's co-hosts—also congratulating the newly crowned world champions.

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