Spain’s World Cup hero, Ferran Torres, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected political discussion after donning a cap emblazoned with ‘Make Spain Great Again’ during the team’s trophy parade. The attire, a clear homage to former US President Donald Trump’s well-known slogan, prompted reactions from Trump himself and the White House.
The controversy emerged just days after Spain secured their second World Cup title, defeating Argentina in a thrilling final held at New York New Jersey Stadium. It was the 26-year-old Torres who sealed the victory, entering the match in the 62nd minute and scoring the winning goal in the second half of extra-time.
A champion’s political statement
During the celebratory parade, images of Torres wearing the distinctive cap quickly circulated. The phrase ‘Make Spain Great Again’ mirrored the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan that became synonymous with Donald Trump’s political campaigns.
The choice of headwear quickly garnered attention from political circles. The White House weighed in on social media, posting, “Everyone wants in on the movement.”
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Donald Trump himself also reacted to the Spanish forward’s cap. “He is a great player. He was wearing essentially a Make America Great Again cap, so it was a nice tribute,” Trump stated. “And I think he meant that very nicely; we appreciate it. We have, we’ve made America great. We’re the greatest country in the world now. I will say this, we, a year and a half ago, two years ago, this country was in deep trouble.”
Torres’s journey to glory
The political commentary follows a tournament where Torres proved pivotal, culminating in his decisive goal. Speaking to TNT Sports after his heroics, Torres reflected on the pressure and his personal journey.
“A huge relief [to score],” Torres said. “I’ve been criticised throughout the whole tournament but as I said before, destiny was written. Thanks to God, he always gives me the strength to continue and, in the end, he grants things to those that most deserve them.”
Torres has been a significant figure for the Spanish national team, with a strong record:
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- 65 appearances for Spain
- 25 goals scored for Spain
At club level, Torres made a high-profile move to Barcelona from Manchester City in 2021, in a deal worth £55 million. His World Cup-winning moment and subsequent sartorial choice have now thrust him into a unique intersection of global sport and international politics.
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