Thank You, Spain

Great triumphs deserve unforgettable celebrations.

With Spain still basking in the glory of its victory in New York/New Jersey, millions of supporters poured onto the streets of Madrid on Monday to celebrate a second FIFA World Cup title. Few things unite a nation quite like football, and once again La Roja brought the entire country together behind a shared dream.

For one extraordinary day, differences were set aside as Spain celebrated beneath the two stars now proudly displayed above the national crest. The memories of Sunday's victory over Argentina were still fresh, but what unfolded in Madrid became another unforgettable chapter in its own right.

An estimated two million supporters lined the streets of the capital to welcome home the world champions.

The open-top victory bus departed Moncloa shortly after 19:00, beginning a parade that will live long in the memory. As it wound its way through Madrid, the players were greeted by an ocean of fans, with cheers echoing through Princesa, Alberto Aguilera, Carranza, Sagasta, Génova, Goya, Serrano, Plaza de la Independencia, Puerta de Alcalá, Alfonso XII and Montalbán before arriving at the Palacio de Cibeles.

On board, the celebrations were in full swing. Borja Iglesias took charge of the music, while the players and coaching staff danced, sang and embraced the incredible atmosphere created by thousands upon thousands of supporters.

Long before the team arrived, Plaza de Cibeles had already reached capacity, with fans travelling from every corner of Spain to be part of the celebration. A packed entertainment programme kept the crowd in full voice, featuring performances from DJs Barce, Alex Martini and Pawly, as well as live sets by Viva Suecia, Saiko, Arde Bogotá, Ana Mena, Lola Índigo, Tony Grox & Lucycalys and, fittingly, Aitana, who closed the evening with "Superestrella"—a perfect tribute to Spain's newest world champions.

At 22:13, presenter Ibai Llanos welcomed the squad onto the stage, triggering an explosion of noise from the packed square. One by one, the players emerged to their chosen entrance songs before the crowd joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Álex Baena, who celebrated his 25th birthday during the festivities.

Captain Rodri and head coach Luis de la Fuente were introduced last before the rest of the delegation joined them on stage.

Addressing the crowd, De la Fuente said:

"Thank you, Spain, for supporting us and for sharing in this success, because it's your success too. We are fortunate to have 26 wonderful people who are also 26 extraordinary footballers—the best in the world. Together we are stronger. Long live Spain!"

Rodri then lifted the atmosphere even higher.

"We've won the World Cup! And how many stars do we have now?"

The captain also paid tribute to Ferran Torres, whose winning goal in New York/New Jersey secured Spain's second world title.

"Today I'd like us to remember someone who's incredibly important to this group. He's often faced criticism, but today he's part of Spanish football history. Let's all sing together: Ferran, Ferran, Ferran!"

The celebration also featured the now-traditional chants dedicated to Marc Cucurella, along with countless songs, dances and unforgettable moments that have become synonymous with this remarkable generation.

The evening concluded with Aitana's performance of "Superestrella," bringing the curtain down on a celebration that Spain will never forget.

Two stars now shine above the crest.

And amid the joy, there was also a moment of remembrance for María Caamaño, the young football-loving supporter who passed away in April. This World Cup triumph was dedicated not only to those celebrating in Cibeles, but also to everyone who dreamed of seeing Spain crowned world champions once again.