Reaching Plaza de Cibeles was an impossible challenge, as the champions' bus drew thousands of people throughout its route. The Spanish contingent landed at around three in the afternoon at Adolfo Suárez Airport, where the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Pedro Rocha, disembarked with the trophy in hand, sharing the spotlight with the players and the technical staff led by Luis de la Fuente.

By seven in the evening, the team headed directly to the Palacio de La Zarzuela and the Palacio de la Moncloa. There, they met with King Felipe VI of Spain and the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, respectively. They were first received by the monarch, who, accompanied by Queen Letizia and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, remarked: "We are pleased with your work. Your legacy is immense. Thank you for your effort and for playing the way you do."

Pedro Sánchez focused his speech on the footballing prospects for the future. "What has been achieved is tremendous. Sport conveys many values, and the most significant we have seen is the spirit of the team. The problem is that we want more. We have the World Cup in Spain, and I wish you all the best," he emphasised in his speech.

The European champions continued through the arteries of the Spanish capital amidst multiple chants of "I am Spanish" and "We are the champions of Europe". People from all over the country cheered on the Spanish entourage, with Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Unai Simón being some of the most acclaimed players. Everyone wanted to pay tribute to the Spanish team, and the rush to move through the city and enjoy the best views at Cibeles, amidst songs and applause, was continuous.

One of the most curious details was the bus transporting the Spanish players, which read "This is just the beginning". The team arrived at Cibeles at 22:00, where light shows, music, colour, and flags filled the iconic nerve centre of the celebrations.

Words for Everyone

It was there that the madness fully erupted, with Álvaro Morata, the captain, protagonist, and the man of the night, taking over as master of ceremonies from the legendary Pepe Reina. The striker acted as a speaker and introduced each of his teammates perfectly, with praise and a sense of humour, showcasing his leadership and keeping the festivities lively and escalating.

"We are the champions of Europe!" repeated the team captain three times as he opened the players' speeches in a packed Plaza de Cibeles. To start, he called for the Ballon d'Or for Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, and took a jab at the English by declaring "Gibraltar is Spanish!" referring to the British enclave in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

"Nico, Nico, Nico!" erupted the crowd when Morata introduced Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao forward who, at 22, has been one of the team's stars and who opened the scoring in the final. Lamine Yamal was another heavily acclaimed player at Cibeles, a usual celebration spot for Real Madrid. "He has gone from causing trouble in the classroom to causing trouble in the Euro," Morata said of the 17-year-old Barça player, a tournament sensation in Germany and voted best young player.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, with his energy on the pitch, friendliness, and distinctive hairstyle, has become a fan favourite. The Catalan accepted the crowd's request to sing the song dedicated to him in English stadiums: "Cu-cu-rella, eats a paella, drinks an Estrella; Haaland trembles, because Cucurella is coming."

The national team also had a touching moment when they brought María Camaño, a girl battling Ewing's Sarcoma, who idolises Morata, onto the stage. She experienced much of the celebration with intensity and even got to lift the trophy alongside the champions.

"Overcoming, sacrifice, work, teamwork, generosity, talent," said coach Luis de la Fuente, listing the qualities of the group he leads. With a seductive and exciting style of play, La Roja has returned to the top of the continent, becoming the first team to win a fourth European Championship after their triumphs in 1964, 2008, and 2012.

After these moments of camaraderie, with Cibeles illuminated in the colours of the Spanish flag, musical performances by Aitana, Almacor with the song 'Brillos Platino', and Isabel Aaiún with 'Potra Salvaje' followed. Even De la Fuente himself joined in singing 'Quijote' by Julio Iglesias with former international and friend Patxi Salinas.

Throughout the competition, Luis de la Fuente's team overcame very tough obstacles against European football powers like Italy, Croatia, Germany, France, and England, their final victim. With a touch of magic that captivated the entire country, the team won their fourth European Championship after those lifted in 1964, 2008, and 2012. With this triumph, Spain becomes the country with the most trophies won in this competition.