MADRID: Spain’s World Cup-winning football team was welcomed by King Felipe VI on Monday after returning home from its triumph in the United States, with the monarch hailing the squad’s “epic” victory and describing it as a “legendary and historic team.”
“You are tired – but what a wonderful kind of tiredness. Congratulations,” Felipe told the players during a reception at Madrid’s Royal Palace, reported German news agency dpa.
The king praised Spain’s World Cup triumph as the culmination of a true “odyssey” and urged the team to savour the celebrations.
“There’s still much to celebrate. Enjoy every kiss, every gesture of recognition, for you have earned them,” he said. Felipe also thanked the squad on behalf of all Spaniards and noted that Spain now holds both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles.
Felipe had travelled to Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Queen Letizia and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. During the trophy presentation, the monarch embraced several players and posed with the World Cup trophy.
In a post on X, the Spanish royal household congratulated the national team, calling the victory “a triumph that will forever be part of the history of Spanish sport.”
Following the palace reception, captain Rodri and his teammates were due to pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before embarking on an open-top bus parade through central Madrid.
Up to 1 million fans were expected to gather at the city’s Cibeles Square later on Monday for a public celebration of Spain’s World Cup victory. – BERNAMA-dpa
