From match-winner to parade talking point

Ferran Torres delivered the decisive moment in Spain’s World Cup triumph before becoming the centre of an unexpected political talking point during the team’s homecoming celebrations.

Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. According to FIFA’s official match report, substitute Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute to secure his country’s second World Cup title.

A day later, the Barcelona forward joined his teammates on an open-top bus through Madrid. He was photographed bare-chested and wearing a red cap bearing the words “Make Spain Great Again”, an unmistakable adaptation of US President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

As Mikel Muñoz reported for El País, close to two million supporters attended the celebrations in the Spanish capital.

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White House responds on social media

Images and videos of Torres wearing the cap quickly circulated online, eventually drawing a response from the official White House account.

According to Callum Jones’ report for UNILAD, the account replied to footage of the parade with a six-word message:

“Everyone wants in on the movement.”

The comment was posted in the White House’s response on X. It was a social-media reaction rather than a formal White House statement.

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Trump had attended the World Cup final alongside First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He also took part in the medal and trophy presentation after Spain’s victory.

Meaning behind the cap remains unclear

Torres has not publicly explained why he chose to wear the cap. There is consequently no confirmation that it represented support for Trump, criticism of him or simply a joke connected to the trophy ceremony.

As described by Cristian Caraballo for Euronews, reactions ranged from amusement to political criticism. The same wording has previously been associated with Spain’s right-wing Vox party, adding to the competing interpretations.

Without an explanation from Torres, any claim about his political intentions remains speculation. What began as one detail from a jubilant World Cup parade nevertheless became an international talking point, briefly shifting attention away from the goal that had made him Spain’s national hero.

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