The Spanish national team received a huge reception after its return from North America, and nearly a million people gathered in Madrid to celebrate the team winning the FIFA World Cup for the second time in its history.
This coronation sparked a huge wave of national pride in football-mad Spain, as many young fans had never seen the men’s team lift the World Cup, because its only title was achieved 16 years ago in the 2010 South Africa finals.
The team’s plane landed at Madrid-Barajas Airport with a small Spanish flag flying at the front of the plane, directly above the cockpit, upon its arrival at the airport.
After the plane stopped on the runway amid tight security measures, the doors opened and coach De La Fuente was the first to exit, accompanied by Commander Rodri with the medal around his neck and the cup in his hands, along with the President of the Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Losan.
The champions headed to Sarsuela Palace on the outskirts of Madrid, where they were received by King Felipe VI, thanking them for winning the World Cup for the second time, and considering that their victory was a victory for an entire country.
The King said in a brief speech delivered in the gardens of the Royal Palace: “When our national team plays, we all play.” And when you won, you did it for all of Spain.”
He added, “You knew how to exert all your determination, steadfastness and boldness. You were united, you worked as one team, you showed the spirit of solidarity and generosity, and above all, you won with a wonderful performance.”
In attendance alongside the king were Queen Letizia, who wore a red dress that matched the colors of the Spanish national team’s shirts, and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia.
The king, who attended the final match, welcomed each player and shook hands with them, before hugging the young star Lamine Gamal.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who in turn attended the final match, also met with the team members, before embarking on a long tour through the streets of central Madrid on board a double-decker open-top bus, before they arrived at the famous Cibeles Square, where the Madrid City Hall is located and the traditional place for the Spanish national team’s fans to gather and celebrate.
