Thousands of supporters turned out in Madrid for Spain’s Euro 2024 trophy parade that ended with a stellar player-led music display as chaotic celebrations rubbed further salt in England’s wounds.

Spain wrapped up a fourth European Championship on Sunday evening as England were beaten 2-1 in Berlin after originally coming from behind before conceding in the dying moments.

Victorious players and coaching staff flew back to Spain earlier on Monday and were given a heroes welcome as the nation’s football fans and royal family recognised the outstanding achievement.

 

 

Captain Alvaro Morata – who has faced strong criticism from the Spanish press at times – was the central leading figure amongst energy-packed celebrations as the iconic trophy was displayed for fans to see.

However, a distasteful moment amidst the party atmosphere took place when Man City midfielder Rodri grabbed the microphone and started singing ‘Gibraltar is Spanish,’ despite it being a British overseas territory.

The status of the city has long been a sensitive political issue with some in Spain believing Britain’s control is illegal.

Trophy celebrations of such a grand magnitude can sometimes see fans and players struggle to connect, but there was no signs of that during the emphatic scenes throughout Monday afternoon and evening.

 

Thousands of supporters turned out in Madrid for Spain’s Euro 2024 trophy parade

 

Thousands of fans packed out the central Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid city centre

 

Spanish players paraded the iconic Henri Delaunay Trophy through the streets and on stage

 

17-year-old Lamine Yamal (middle) was encouraged to perform a special dance for the crowd

 

Rodri held aloft the European Championship trophy after starring as one of the players of the tournament

The status of the city has long been a sensitive political issue with some in Spain believing Britain’s control is illegal.

Trophy celebrations of such a grand magnitude can sometimes see fans and players struggle to connect, but there was no signs of that during the emphatic scenes throughout Monday afternoon and evening.

After landing in Madrid, an open-top bus paraded the players like gladiators through the city’s Cibeles Square in the aftermath of a brief meeting with Spain’s King Felipe VI and his family.

Celebrating his nation’s success, the King beamed as he shook the hands of all the players and staff in attendance and posed for a group photo with the entire squad while also being given a top celebrating Spain’s fourth European title.

Thousands of patriotic supporters then followed the bus through Madrid’s city centre as the players showed off the Henri Delaunay Trophy while chants and songs were sang amidst the throws of an amazing atmosphere.

17-year-old Lamine Yamal received outpourings of love from fans after starring at the competition and looked right at home while dancing and partying with his more experienced team-mates.

The pinnacle point of the celebrations was in the square when the players departed the bus and took to the stage where special performances and interviews with the victors took place.

Morata was the chief controller while on stage, often asking individual players questions, dancing, and even serenading the crowd with a chant of his own.

Rodri – who has been tipped for the next Ballon d’Or – was also at the heart of some iconic dancing that saw Spain’s entire squad bounce in time with the huge swathes of nearby fans.

 

Spain’s King Felipe VI and his family greeted the title-winning squad before celebrations got underway

 

Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella (middle) was at the heart of the on-stage celebrations

 

Players were mobbed by thousands of celebrating fans with a heavy police presence escorting the bus

 

A truly touching moment took place when a young 10-year-old girl battling cancer, María Camano, was welcomed onto the stage

A special moment also saw Yamal and Neco Williams perform a hilarious dance routine that went down a storm with the begging supporters and Spain players who were eager to see the teenager have his moment in the spotlight.

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella enjoyed another rendition of his iconic song that the full-back previously performed to the team after lifting the Euro 2024 title in Germany.

A truly touching moment took place when a young 10-year-old girl battling cancer, María Camano, was welcomed onto the stage by Morata and his colleagues and was encouraged to join in dancing while also getting to lift the Euro trophy.

Meanwhile, England’s miserable journey home ended with the team landing in London with the players now set to have some time off before starting pre-season training with their respective clubs.