Spain’s World Cup-winning squad arrived back in Madrid on Monday to a hero’s welcome, with manager Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri leading the way off the plane. The squad’s first stop was Zarzuela Palace, where they met King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia before the celebrations got underway in the city.
The parade kicked off at 18:00 BST in 35C heat, starting in the Moncloa district in northwest Madrid. Fans had claimed their spots along the route hours before proceedings began, with thousands lining the streets as the bus slowly made its way through the Spanish capital. Rodri held the trophy aloft at the front of the bus as the crowds roared their approval.
There were lighter moments along the route too. Lamine Yamal held up a sign thrown from the crowd calling for a boxing match between Gavi and Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes — a nod to the full-time scuffles that had followed Sunday’s World Cup final. The young forward appeared to enjoy the moment as the bus inched through the packed streets.
Thousands more waited at the famous Cibeles Fountain as the squad made their way to the landmark. Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final, savoured his moment in the spotlight, while manager De la Fuente was thrown into the air the second he stepped on stage.
Rodri’s involvement in the celebrations carried added significance. The captain is only the fourth men’s player in history to win the World Cup, Euros, Champions League and Ballon d’Or — a remarkable collection of honours that was reflected in the scale of the reception Madrid gave its returning champions.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
