MADRID : Spain’s World Cup-winning team celebrated their second global title with an open-top bus parade through Madrid on Monday, as nearly two million jubilant fans packed the capital’s streets to salute the new world champions.
The bus, emblazoned with the slogan “Kings of the World” and decorated with two large stars symbolising Spain’s two World Cup titles, carried the players through a sea of supporters after Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
Government estimates put the crowd at close to two million, with fans dressed in Spain shirts and waving red-and-gold national flags.
“We’re full of enthusiasm for fulfilling the dream of becoming world champions,” said 34-year-old Fran Carratala, who travelled from the northeastern region of Catalonia to attend the celebrations.
Daniel Gaona, 44, flew in from Estonia, where he lives, to watch the final in Madrid before joining Monday’s parade.
“Everybody was crazy. It was a very good mood. People were very happy,” he said.
“There were no problems, just a lot of happiness. It’s something you have to come here to live.”
The players, most wearing T-shirts bearing the words “We are champions”, waved continuously to the crowds and tossed footballs into the sea of supporters. A few celebrated shirtless, while forward Borja Iglesias entertained fans from a DJ booth mounted on the bus, which also displayed the slogan “Stars shine together”.
Before the parade, the squad were received by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, both of whom had attended Sunday’s final.
“I would like to give immense thanks to the staff and the players for your style of play, your effort and your victory,” Sanchez told the team.
The prime minister added he was already dreaming of Spain winning a third men’s World Cup in 2030, when the tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
