July 16 – Spain celebrated their Euro 2024 victory on Monday with an open top bus parade through Madrid after a visit to the country’s king and president.
It was a record fourth time that Spain have won the tournament, having previously lifted the trophy in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
The Spanish Government said more than half a million people attended the celebrations. Spain captain Alvaro Morata presented the Euros trophy onstage before the team joined him for the celebrations.
“We’re champions of Europe! I’ve been proud to be captain of this team,” Morata told the fans. “Sometimes I score, and sometimes I don’t, but I promise you that I’ve given everything to win this European Championship. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. It was magical.”
The 2-1 win over England concluded a perfect tournament for coach Luis de la Fuente’s team, winning all seven games, including victories over hosts Germany, reigning champions Italy, and favourites France.
Spain looked to have suffered a major blow when Rodri went off with an unspecified injury at halftime in the final on Sunday with the score at 0-0.
But it only galvanised the Spanish who ran out 2-1 winners with Rodri named player of the tournament.
“My God, what a day, this is surely the best day of my career,” the Manchester City ace said after he was presented with the player of the tournament award.
“You only have to see the family we have built… Now we are the national team that has won the most European Championships,” added Rodri, who paid tribute to Spain’s young players in particular – Nico Williams is just 22 and Lamine Yamal turned 17 on Saturday.
They won the player of the match and young player of the tournament awards, respectively.
“Many of us here won Under-19 and Under-21 European Championships, and this is something that is cultivated and nurtured and you work hard for,” Rodri said. “Today we are champions of Europe and we’re not going to stop here.”
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