Donald Trump's White House commented on Spain's World Cup victory parade after player Ferran Torres wore a cap emblazoned with 'Make Spain Great Again.' The message on the red cap drew attention from the official X account of the White House, which stated, "everyone wants in on the movement."
Torres, who scored the winning goal in the final against Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York, donned the cap during the team's open-top bus parade in Madrid. The slogan echoes Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, 'Make America Great Again.' The 'MAGA' slogan was originally used during Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign before being adopted by Trump.
The article notes that the phrase has also been used ironically, with entities other than political movements adopting it to signify a desire for renewed greatness. In a footballing context, Torres fulfilled the message on his cap by scoring the decisive goal.
Torres expressed that the goal belonged to the nation rather than himself. "I think in the end, the goal belongs to 47 million people, not to me," he said. "Destiny was written, it was made for us to win."
During the parade, another Spanish player, Lamine Yamal, held up a sign referencing an on-pitch incident involving Argentina's Leandro Paredes and Spain's Eric Garcia and Gavi. Yamal's sign alluded to a celebrity boxing event, humorously comparing the altercation to a boxing match.
Following their victory, the Spanish team traveled back to Madrid for a parade. The players met King Felipe of Spain before proceeding to Plaza de Cibeles for celebrations. The team departed the U.S. shortly after 2 a.m. local time, arriving in Madrid later that afternoon.