The royal family praised the World Cup heroes for their incredible performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain’s FIFA World Cup winners were greeted by the country’s king on Monday in Madrid after returning from the United States with the trophy in tow.
Fans filled Madrid’s Plaza Cibeles on July 20 as they gathered to welcome the Spanish players a day after the national soccer team won its second match.
King Felipe VI and the royal family met the Spanish delegation, led by captain Rodri and coach Luis de la Fuente, at the Zarzuela Palace before the players continued their journey to the city with a million fans expected to celebrate with them.
“You have shown your grit, your resilience and your bravery, always backed by your technical skill, your control and mastery of the game, combining head and heart,” said the king to the stars of La Roja, who were dressed in suits.
Spain beat Argentina on Sunday in extra time thanks to Ferran Torres’ goal to win its second World Cup, after a first victory in 2010.
The Palace posted videos of celebrations and photographs of the royals on its official Instagram account.
Queen Letizia, who accompanied the King, wore a red dress matching the color of the Spanish team’s shirts, and her two daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia.
Felipe greeted and shook hands with each player, leaning down to hug Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The king told the players they had been “united” in their “odyssey” to win the expanded 48-team tournament.
United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino applaud after presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain following their victory in the 2026 World Cup final at New York and New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
