Thousands are waiting for the world champions, the king welcomes you first #video

Thousands of fans awaited the world champions, greeted first by the king Thousands of supporters gathered in Madrid on Monday evening to welcome the World Cup winners, with the royal family being the first to greet the Spanish football team upon their return home. The victorious squad, which claimed its second title since 2010, arrived in the capital after a triumphant campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The celebration was expected to draw over a million sports enthusiasts, who had already taken over city streets. The main ceremony was set to take place on Plaza Cibeles, where the team would be honored in a traditional parade. The Spanish players and coaching staff were initially welcomed by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the royal palace of Zarzuela and the government palace of Moncloa, respectively. The team’s star player, Rodri, who was named the best player of the tournament, raised the World Cup trophy high after exiting the plane in Madrid. He had celebrated the final victory in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time through a goal from Ferran Torres. Madrid's main avenue, Avenida de la Castellana, remained marked by the chaos of celebration even in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The street was littered with remnants of the festivities, smashed bottles, empty beer cans, and broken glass. Some fans still slept on the sidewalks and benches, while others returned home slowly. Municipal services began clearing the route for the evening parade, preparing the path for the traditional procession of the national team. "The celebrations have been intense. I didn’t sleep much. I think we all had a very short night after such a big win," said Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida during a radio interview with Spain’s RNE station. The city had become a stage for joy, with thousands taking part in the spontaneous revelry that followed the team’s historic triumph. The parade itself was expected to begin with an open-top bus carrying the players and officials through the streets of Madrid toward Plaza Cibeles, the traditional venue for honoring the national team. This annual event has long symbolized the pride and unity of the Spanish people, especially in times of great sporting success. The presence of the royal family and political leaders underscored the significance of the occasion, marking another milestone in the nation’s recent history. As preparations continued for the formal ceremonies, the atmosphere in Madrid remained electric. The city had transformed into a living monument to the team’s achievement, with fans continuing to celebrate in the streets long after the official events had begun. The energy of the moment reflected the deep connection between the sport and the people, a bond that has grown stronger with each major victory.