Spain’s supporters are euphoric after their team became the champions of Europe, beating England in the Euro 2024 final.
The hometown of 17-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal exploded after the team’s victory, with fans lining the streets of Mataro near Barcelona.
“It is a matter of pride, we are very lucky because he is the MVP of Spain,” said 18-year-old Spanish soccer fan, Ana Isabel Huete.
Yamal was named “young player of the tournament” just minutes after his team took the trophy.
In Colon Square in Spain’s capital Madrid, fans roared as the final whistle blew. Chants and car horns filled the streets, with ecstatic fans celebrating the victory.
Millions of Spaniards kept their eyes peeled on the TV and gathered around the multiple big screens placed across the major cities of the country, as their national team managed to beat England 2-1 with a late goal.
“Yes, yes, the cup is here,” chanted fans.
“It was a hard-fought final, but we came through, we are all very proud of them,” said Spain fan Antonio Gelmires.
“My heart is racing, I’m very happy,” said another, Nuria Cobos.
“Euphoria! We are so happy. We deserved this,” said Nico Williams, the player of the match. “This is for our fans and our parents, who have supported us throughout.”
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Spain won all seven games at the Euros, an unprecedented feat, and broke the record for goals scored in a single tournament with 15.
There were joyous scenes after the final whistle, with defender Dani Carvajal piled on by jubilant teammates after slumping to the ground.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was thrown into the air by his players and both Cucurella and Yamal led Spain’s players in jumping over the advertising hoardings to reach the red-and-yellow-clad Spanish fans in the stadium’s east end.
“This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for,” Yamal said. “It is a dream come true.” The young player celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday.
After getting his medal, the teenager turned and shook his fist in celebration, stuck his tongue out and showed off a beaming grin.
Meanwhile, fans who had watched the game on a big screen in Madrid celebrated wildly, chanting “champions, champions” in Spanish.