Thousands of fans lined the streets of Madrid in 35C heat on Monday as Spain’s World Cup winners paraded through the capital, capping their triumph with a visit to King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia at Zarzuela Palace.
The squad landed in Madrid on Monday afternoon, with captain Rodri and manager Luis de la Fuente first off the plane. The bus parade began at 18:00 BST in the Moncloa district, winding through the city as Rodri held the trophy aloft at the front of the bus. Fans had claimed their viewing spots hours earlier, braving the heat to gather at landmarks including Puerta de Alcala and the famous Cibeles Fountain.
“Thousands celebrate Spain's World Cup win in Madrid with bus parade and palace visit.”
Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the final, enjoyed his moment in the spotlight, while Lamine Yamal held up a sign thrown from the crowd referencing the full-time scuffles on Sunday – the sign asked for a boxing match between Gavi and Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Rodri is only the fourth men’s player to win the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and Ballon d’Or. His stock is at an all-time high after adding yet another trophy to his collection.
When the players finally arrived on stage at Cibeles, manager Luis de la Fuente was thrown up in the air the moment he walked on. The celebrations continued long into the evening, with Pedro Porro hailing the ‘incredible’ Spain stars after their triumph.
For the players, a quiet evening followed – but the party in Madrid shows no signs of ending.