Spain's World Cup hero Ferran Torres sparked attention during the team's homecoming parade in Madrid on Monday when he was seen wearing a hat that read 'Make Spain Great Again,' a direct adaptation of President Donald Trump's famous 'Make America Great Again' slogan. Torres, who scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of the final against Argentina, posted a picture on social media showing him shirtless on a vehicle, surrounded by a massive crowd of celebrating fans.
The choice of headwear came just hours after Trump himself presented the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodrí and the rest of the squad on the pitch at New York/New Jersey Stadium. The president had attended the match alongside First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, watching as Spain dominated the game before securing a 1-0 victory in extra time.
Torres' goal was the culmination of a tense, scoreless battle that seemed destined for a penalty shootout. Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had made several miraculous saves to keep the game deadlocked, but when Nico Williams Jr.'s header was dropped back into the box following a cross, Torres found himself with a golden opportunity. The ball landed at his left foot, and he calmly slotted it home to seal Spain's second World Cup title, their first since 2010.
After the match, Torres reflected on the significance of the victory. 'I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here,' he told FIFA host broadcasters via ESPN. 'Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We're far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them.'
The parade in Madrid drew tens of thousands of Spaniards who lined the streets to welcome their champions. Celebrations had begun late Sunday night after the final whistle and continued unabated into Monday. The atmosphere was festive, though the match itself was not without controversy. Brawls broke out on the pitch between Argentina and Spain players after the final whistle, an incident that FIFA has said it will investigate.
Torres' hat choice quickly became a talking point on social media, with some interpreting it as a political statement and others viewing it as a lighthearted tribute to Trump's role in the ceremony. The president had been a visible presence throughout the tournament, and his appearance at the final underscored the growing ties between international soccer and American politics.
For Torres and his teammates, the victory parade marked the beginning of a well-earned celebration before they return to their respective clubs for the upcoming season. The forward, who plays for Barcelona, will look to carry his World Cup form into domestic competition. Spain's triumph also solidified the team's status as a global powerhouse in soccer, having now won two World Cups in the past 16 years.
The 'Make Spain Great Again' hat, while unusual, captured the mood of a nation proud of its team's achievement. Whether a coincidence or a deliberate nod, it added a layer of intrigue to an already memorable homecoming. As the players soaked in the adulation of their fans, the image of Torres in that hat will likely remain a lasting symbol of Spain's 2026 World Cup victory.
