Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million
Spain's national soccer team celebrated their World Cup victory with a massive parade through Madrid, drawing nearly 2 million fans. The squad met with government officials and royals before participating in a public ceremony at Cibeles Square.
Why it matters
The event underscores the massive cultural and social impact of international sports on national unity and public morale.
MADRID — Spain's World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.
The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country's royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.
"Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory," Sánchez said. "We have truly enjoyed watching you play."
The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. "Stars shine together" was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers.
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