On the night Spain won their first World Cup in 2010, Rodrigo Hernández was a 14-year-old camper in Connecticut, watching alone on a mini-laptop.
When Andrés Iniesta scored in the 116th minute, he ran screaming around a lake.
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Sixteen years later, Rodri was back in the US, this time as Spain's captain.
When Ferran Torres netted the winner in the 106th minute of the final, he sprinted toward his teammates.
After the match, he lifted the trophy—pausing for Donald Trump to leave the stage.
Rodri left the dressing room at 9:38 PM Eastern, the last man out, carrying the World Cup, the tournament's best player award, and a Lego replica.
He couldn't carry everything; Ladis had to help.
Pau Cubarsí, just 19, also needed assistance with his young player award. Luis de la Fuente walked with Paloma.
Every player received a replica World Cup in a Louis Vuitton trunk and a Lego version.
They also cut pieces of the net, collected shirts, balls, boots, and NBA-style rings.
A Night of Traditions and Emotions
Before the final, Marc Cucurella buried a coin in the pitch, echoing Joan Capdevila's 2010 ritual.
Andrés Iniesta showed the cup to the stands, and Sergio Ramos brought it back for the new generation.
Nico Williams handed his medal to his mother in the front row. Lamine Yamal embraced Lionel Messi, a symbolic passing of the torch.
Javier Bardem hugged Borja Iglesias. Ferran Torres spoke of a "great liberation," saying, "Destiny is written: God gives to those who deserve."
