Spain parade World Cup trophy through Madrid as two million fans salute new champions

Spain’s World Cup-winning heroes brought central Madrid to a standstill as an estimated two million fans flooded the streets to salute La Roja’s new global champions.

The players paraded the Fifa World Cup trophy on an open-top bus under the blazing summer sun on Monday, before a night-long party at the capital’s iconic Cibeles Square.

Fresh from their 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday, Spain’s squad – and head coach Luis de la Fuente – were introduced one by one on stage, each to their own chosen song, belted out in front of a sea of red-and-yellow flags.

Wearing “We are champions” shirts, De la Fuente hailed his squad as the “best in the world”, telling supporters not to forget that “together we are stronger.”

Royal welcome and political tributes

The celebrations capped a whirlwind 24 hours for Spain, who have now lifted the men’s World Cup for a second time after their first triumph in 2010.

After flying home from the United States, the team were greeted on the runway by King Felipe VI and the royal family. Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder and Spain’s on‐field leader, stepped off the Iberia plane first, holding the World Cup trophy aloft at the top of the stairs.

“I’ve always said it, winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” said Rodri. “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.”

At the royal reception, the king praised the players’ character and mentality, telling La Roja’s stars: “You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage … combining head and heart.”

The squad then travelled to meet Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace, where Spain’s perfect record in World Cup finals – two wins from two – was hailed.

“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?”

“Flying, literally” – Torres on decisive winner

Ferran Torres’s extra-time strike in the final was enough to defeat Argentina and secure Spain’s second star on their shirts.

Match-winner Torres joked he was “flying, literally” as he returned to Spain on the charter flight carrying the new champions home.

Argentina, despite the presence of all-time great Lionel Messi, were unable to find a way through Spain’s organised and assertive side. Messi, who had produced a scintillating tournament overall, “drifted through the final like a ghost”, reduced to tears at the final whistle.

Rodri, who again raised the trophy in front of the Madrid crowd just as he had in New Jersey the previous night, described the triumph as the crowning achievement of his career.

From Moncloa to Cibeles: a capital transformed

The victory parade began at the prime minister’s residence in Moncloa before snaking through the main arteries of central Madrid. Fans clung to balconies, clambered onto bus stops and filled every vantage point to catch a glimpse of their heroes as players passed the gleaming World Cup trophy between them and waved to the crowds.

By the time the bus reached Cibeles Square – the traditional gathering point for Spanish celebrations – hordes of fans had been waiting for hours, staking out spots for the party.

On stage, the full squad and backroom staff posed for photographs with the trophy. As the night reached its peak, players tossed De la Fuente into the air in front of the roaring crowd, drawing another surge of noise from supporters.

Spain partied late into the night, with fireworks and music echoing around the capital. In Madrid, tears flowed once more – but this time they were tears of joy.

Historic double and a look to 2030

Spain now hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles, after the women’s national team lifted their first world crown in 2023. It is the first time a country has simultaneously possessed both senior World Cup trophies.

Attention is already turning to 2030, when Spain will co-host the men’s World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco. La Roja will be defending their title on home soil in what Sanchez called a realistic dream of “a third” global crown.

For now, though, Spain’s capital is basking in the glow of a second star – and a generation of players who, just like Casillas and Iniesta before them, have etched their names into World Cup history.