The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has joked about the celebration of the 2026 World Cup in Cibeles, stating that "we will celebrate something this year" at that location, in a dig at Real Madrid fans, who usually celebrate their titles there.
The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, took advantage of the euphoria surrounding the Spanish national team's World Cup title to make a joke at the expense of Real Madrid supporters. During an interview on COPE, the mayor, a known fan of Atlético de Madrid, said:
"I say, without upsetting the Madridistas, that we will celebrate something this year in Cibeles, which I think is something that makes us all happy."
The World Cup parade ends in Cibeles
The Spanish national team, which was crowned champion of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 with a goal from Ferran Torres, began the official celebration through the streets of Madrid on Monday. The parade route includes stops at iconic locations such as Plaza de Neptuno and will conclude at Plaza de Cibeles, where the central event with the players and coaching staff is scheduled to take place.
For the mayor, having Cibeles as the epicentre of the celebration has a touch of irony: traditionally, that is the place where Real Madrid celebrates its titles, while Atlético de Madrid does so at Neptuno. "We will celebrate something this year in Cibeles," Almeida repeated, making it clear that, for once, the City Council would not have to set up the stage for the white club.
A title that unites all of Spain
The national team's victory has caused a wave of joy throughout the Community of Madrid, which has fully engaged in the celebration events. Thousands of fans, dressed in red shirts and waving Spanish flags, have filled the streets since early morning. The City Council has arranged a special security operation with traffic cuts and increased public transport to facilitate movement.
Almeida, who watched the final from the stadium's box, could not hide his satisfaction with the title. "It is a source of pride for all Madrileños and for all Spaniards. The national team has had a spectacular tournament," he declared. However, the mayor did not miss the opportunity to poke fun at Real Madrid supporters, who this year had no reason to celebrate in Cibeles after being eliminated in the Champions semifinals.
The detail that did not go unnoticed
Almeida's joke has spread like wildfire on social media, where Atlético de Madrid fans have celebrated it with humour. "Finally, Cibeles will see a real trophy," joked one user on X. Real Madrid supporters, on the other hand, have chosen to downplay the comment, focusing on the joy of the World Cup title.
The mayor, who has always proudly identified as a colchonero, wanted to make it clear that his comment was a simple joke without malice. "I don’t want anyone to take it the wrong way. In the end, we are all happy for the national team," he clarified. However, the anecdote has served to add a touch of humour to a historic day for Spanish football.
The celebration will continue throughout the day with the official reception at the Palacio de la Moncloa and later at the City Hall of Madrid, where Almeida will welcome the champions. Madrileños who cannot attend the parade will be able to follow the central event in Cibeles through giant screens set up in the square.
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