Just past midnight, cheers erupted from blocks of lit flats in central Madrid. Hours later, people of all generations filled the streets, celebrating Spain's Euro 2024 victory.
In Plaza de Olavide, fans gathered around screens, children played, and dogs ran free.
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Lionel Messi jerseys dotted the crowd, a nod to the 400,000 Argentinians living in Spain.
Barcelona hosted one of the largest public gatherings, with over 30,000 people watching on a giant screen.
The team's diversity mirrors Spain's regions, from Catalonia to the Basque Country, and includes players like Aymeric Laporte, born in France.
Ferran Torres, who scored the extra-time goal, said the achievement belonged to "47 million people."
But the success felt global, from Gaza, where Spain represents solidarity with Palestine, to Latin America.
A Contrast with Public Life
The celebratory mood echoed the women's World Cup win three years ago, though that joy was marred by the Jenni Hermoso case.
Sixteen years ago, Spain's first World Cup victory came during painful economic times.
Now, Spain's economy is stronger, and its cities feel more prosperous. The national team is young, diverse, and professional.
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The cheers in Lavapiés, one of Madrid's most diverse neighborhoods, felt momentous in a country where 20% of the population was born abroad.
Spain's players showed maturity under pressure.
Lamine Yamal's response to former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's racist comments highlighted the contrast between football's inclusive power and partisan politics.
