Spain took to the streets. Madrid was the epicenter of a historic celebration, but the feeling was that an entire country had traveled to the capital to embrace the world champions. More than two million people turned the streets into an immense red and yellow river to receive the selection of Luis de la Fuentebrand new world champion for the second time. An unforgettable party that confirmed that this team has conquered much more than a title: it has conquered the hearts of an entire country.
The open-top bus started its journey in Moncloa and moved slowly to the Plaza de Cibeles among a sea of people that did not leave a single space free. Flags, scarves, t-shirts, colored flares and thousands of mobile phones accompanied the parade of the heroes, who responded by showing the World Cup, waving tirelessly and collecting the gifts that were thrown to them from both sides of the street. The majority were children and young people, the generation that has grown up dreaming of seeing Spain champion again and that was finally able to celebrate a second star.
The image of the trophy rising above the bus was repeated over and over again, as Ferranthe scorer of the goal that is now part of the history of Spanish football, received one of the biggest ovations of the afternoon. At your side, Marcos Llorente He also enjoyed every meter of the route without a shirt and showed off his philosophy of life: a discount on his Freehuman glasses and a 2,500-euro bottle of champagne to toast. While Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams They did not stop dancing, giving away an endless collection of the now famous “forbidden steps” that made the fans go crazy.
The music never stopped playing. Borja Iglesias served as the team’s official entertainer and was the DJwhile the microphone changed hands. Even Rodri, always one of the most serious, was in charge of the party at times. The midfielder, winner of the World Cup Ballon d’Or, was one of the great protagonists also off the pitch. He sat next to Gavi in the front of the vehicle with his legs dangling into the void, even causing some expressions of concern among those who followed the route. But nothing could break the atmosphere of absolute happiness.
A historic team
There was also room for nods to the clubs. Baena, Llorente and Pubill They showed off their red and white feeling by placing an Atlético flag, being the only internationals who displayed their team’s colors during the tour, a detail that did not go unnoticed among the thousands of fans. ¡Even Rodri joined the photo, showing that he does not give up the colors of his former team!
The trip ended in a crowded Plaza de Cibeles, converted into an authentic open-air stadium. There came the time to present the champions one by one before a dedicated audience that chanted all the names and danced to the rhythm of the song chosen by each protagonist. They sounded Julio Iglesias, Bad Bunny, Shakira’s Waka-Waka, Quevedo, Dani Martín, El Barrio…The chants, music and emotions mixed with the words of the protagonists, who raised the World Cup again to close an unforgettable day. There was no lack of memory María Caamaño, who died in April and whose smile illuminated Spain in the World Cup, and to all those who saw the triumph from heaven.
Ecstasy finished taking over Cybele when it was her turn to Luis de la Fuente. His name echoed in the square and all his players ran to surround him before lifting him into the air in a spectacular manteo, the perfect image of the union of a group that feels true devotion to their coach. De la Fuente, happy and completely dedicated to the party, still had a surprise in store: microphone in hand, he started singing a song by Julio Iglesias to the laughter, jumping and applause of his footballers. Genius and figure, the coach who led Spain to its second star also showed that, when it comes time to celebrate, there is no one who beats him.
Rodri was not far behind as the party’s entertainer, highlighting Ferran, who did not want to speak to the Madrid public, and shouting every shout that came to mind: “Long live Spain, long live the King and I don’t know what else to say!” Cucurella also had his moment performing his particular hit “Cucu, Cucu, Cucurella…!”.
Spain held a World Cup again sixteen years after the first. And he did it with the streets dyed red, with two million throats singing in unison and with a group of footballers who now forever belong in the history of Spanish sport.
A luxury poster for the champions
The party did not end with the arrival of the bus to Cibeles. The stage set up to receive the champions became the grand finale of an unforgettable day thanks to a line-up of artists worthy of the moment. Lola Índigo, Ana Mena, Aitana, Arde Bogotá and Viva Sweden They provided the soundtrack to a unique celebration, making the tens of thousands of fans who packed the square sing and dance.
The most anticipated performance was, without a doubt, that of Aitana. The artist had symbolically accompanied the team throughout the World Cup, since after each victory of Spain it sounded Superstara song that ended up becoming the team’s unofficial anthem during the tournament. That’s why, when it started playing in Cibeles, players and fans exploded in unison. The champions sang it hugging each other on stage, jumping and celebrating a second star who is already part of the history of Spanish sports. It was the perfect ending to an unrepeatable day.
