A spontaneous hug from Lamine Yamal to King Felipe VI at a royal reception for Spain's 2026 World Cup champions quickly went viral on 20/7. The Barcelona star's unexpected embrace captivated onlookers at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, and videos of the moment spread rapidly across social media.
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Princess Sofia hosted the Spanish football players at Zarzuela Palace on 20/7. The event honored the Spanish national team after their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final the previous day.
As players approached to greet the royal family members, most adhered to traditional protocol. They shook hands with King Felipe VI, exchanged a few words, and then moved along the reception line. Yamal's gesture, however, broke from this formality, drawing immediate notice.
Social media users praised the moment as intimate and endearing, commending Yamal for maintaining his natural demeanor despite the highly ceremonial setting. Some joked that Yamal greeted King Felipe VI as if celebrating a goal with his Barcelona teammates.
"When the national team plays, the entire country plays. When you win, it is a victory for all Spanish people," King Felipe VI stated. "You have shown resilience and bravery, always grounded in technical skill, control, and mastery of the game, harmoniously combining heart and reason."
Following the reception at Zarzuela Palace, the Spanish team met Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez before joining an open-top bus parade through central Madrid.
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Lamine Yamal during the final match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7. Photo: AFP. |
Yamal, a 19-year-old forward, is widely considered a successor to Lionel Messi at Barcelona. He developed through the La Masia academy, plays as a wing forward, and is frequently compared to the Argentine legend due to his dribbling ability.
Yamal began his international career by winning Euro 2024, subsequently adding the 2026 World Cup to his trophy collection. This victory marked Spain's first World Cup title since 2010.
*As Tam (Source: Marca, AFP)*
