World Champions Return Home to Massive Celebrations in Madrid
Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Spain's national football team returned to Madrid after winning their second World Cup title, greeted by a massive crowd at Barajas Airport.
- Captain Rodri, coach Luis de la Fuente, and federation president Rafael Louzan proudly displayed the trophy upon arrival.
- The team will participate in a celebratory parade through Madrid, culminating at the Cibeles square, with authorities expecting over 60,000 attendees.
Spain's World Cup-winning football team has returned home to a jubilant reception in Madrid, marking their second global championship title. Thousands of fans gathered at Adolfo Suรกrez Barajas Airport to welcome the triumphant squad, hours after their historic victory over Argentina in the United States.
Captain Rodri, head coach Luis de la Fuente, and Spanish Football Federation President Rafael Louzan were the first to disembark, proudly showcasing the coveted World Cup trophy. Coach De la Fuente expressed immense pride in his players, highlighting their unity, team spirit, and family-like bond. "Looking back, I am very moved. We talked a lot, we won everything there was to win, and that is wonderful," he stated, reflecting on the team's journey.
Spain has made history by becoming the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles, in addition to being the reigning European champions. The team's arrival marks the beginning of extensive celebrations planned across the capital.
The official festivities are set to kick off with a grand parade through the heart of Madrid. The team will travel on an open-top bus, heading towards the iconic Cibeles square, a traditional site for major sporting celebrations. City officials anticipate a crowd exceeding 60,000 people for the event, which is scheduled to last until 11 p.m. The city was already buzzing with excitement the previous night, as an estimated 50,000 people watched the final on large screens in public spaces.
I am extremely proud of this generation of footballers. They grew up with this idea, built on it, and showed us what cohesion, team spirit, and a true family mean. These are exceptionally talented players. It was a great honor for me to accompany them on this journey. Looking back, I am very moved. We talked a lot, we won everything there was to win, and that is wonderful.
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.