On Monday afternoon, the plane with Spain's squad landed after securing World Cup gold in the United States on Sunday.
The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, welcomed the players, shook hands with each one and gave young superstar Lamine Yamal a warm hug. The king later gave a speech to celebrate the success.
Congratulations to all of you, it has been a long journey and an epic triumph. You have shown fighting spirit, courage and technical skill. You have united heart and mind, shown patience without losing hope, says the King of Spain and continues:
When the national team plays, we all play. When you win, you win for the whole country.
Team captain Rodri was photographed with the entire squad as they landed. The midfielder, holding the World Cup trophy, stood next to national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
After the meeting with the King, the World Cup squad will also meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Later on Monday evening, the bus parade along the main street Paseo de la Castellana began. According to the AP news agency, citing local authorities, over a million people have gathered to pay tribute to the gold team.
In pictures that have been shared on social media, right-back Pedro Porro and striker Borja Iglesias are seen making noise behind the DJ booth.
"I haven't been able to sleep, partly because of the celebrations and partly because of the excitement. I think I'm not the only one who can't sleep," Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida told RNE radio.
Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in New Jersey. Ferran Torres became the hero of the match when he scored the winner in the second period of extra time.
The World Cup gold is Spain's second. The first came in 2010. In 2024 they also won the European Championship gold.
