Hours after scoring the extra-time goal that secured Spain's 2026 World Cup title against Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, forward Ferran Torres appeared shirtless on the victory parade bus through Madrid wearing a red cap emblazoned with the phrase "Make Spain Great Again". The cap is a direct adaptation of Donald Trump's campaign slogan, and images of Torres waving to the crowd quickly spread across social media.
The cap is not an official MAGA merchandise item but a locally produced version referencing Spain. The parade followed official receptions at the Zarzuela Palace with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and at Moncloa with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Mixed Interpretations and Political Undertones
The gesture has prompted sharply divergent reactions. Some fans and commentators view it as a harmless joke, while others see it as an ironic nod to Trump or even a deliberate dig at Sánchez. The phrase "Make Spain great again" has previously been used by the right-wing party Vox, which has intensified the political readings of the episode. Torres has not offered any public explanation for his choice, leaving the matter open to interpretation.
The controversy deepened when Alberto Ibáñez, an MP for Compromís–Sumar, falsely claimed that Torres's company, Eleven Future Invest, was operating as a "vulture fund" that had bought "20 homes in Valencia" to speculate with. As reported by El Español and confirmed by sources close to the footballer, this claim does not reflect reality. The company's main asset is a commercial building near Mestalla stadium, comprising 50 offices rented to businesses, not a portfolio of residential flats. Torres owns four homes: his residence in Barcelona, two properties in Valencia, and a holiday house, plus a plot of land for future development.
The confusion arose from a Forbes article stating that Torres has "20 properties strategically spread between the Valencia region and Catalonia". Ibáñez used that reference to call for legal reform to prevent "companies and vulture funds such as Eleven Future Invest... from buying houses to speculate with".
Cucurella's Song Choice Adds to the Fray
Defender Marc Cucurella, a new signing for Real Madrid, also stirred debate during the celebrations. After the official receptions, the party moved to Plaza de Cibeles, where each player walked onto the stage to a song of their choice. Cucurella selected 'Malbec' by Duki and Bizarrap, the same track he used during the Euro 2024 celebrations. The song is by two Argentine artists, and its lyrics — "I got to the city and they welcome me like I'm the boss... Today we celebrate and my team were crowned champions" — were interpreted by some as a provocation toward the Argentine national team. Argentine outlet TyC Sports described it as a "mockery".
The episode underscores how Spain's World Cup victory has become entangled in broader political and cultural narratives, from domestic party politics to international rivalries. For now, Torres remains silent on the meaning behind his cap, leaving the public to draw their own conclusions.
