REUTERS/Ana Beltran
Ferran Torres has revealed why he wore a MAGA-style (Make America Great Again) hat during Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory parade.
Torres, who scored the only goal of the World Cup final against Argentina on July 19, wore a red cap with the slogan ‘Make Spain Great Again’ written in white text during an open-top bus parade in Madrid.
The White House reacted to the images of videos of Torres, tweeting: “Everyone wants in on the movement.”
US President Donald Trump, key symbol of the MAGA movement which began during his 2016 presidential campaign, added: “He is a great player. He was wearing essentially a 'Make America Great Again' cap, so it was a nice tribute. And I think he meant that very nicely, we appreciate it."
Torres Breaks Silence Over 'Make Spain Great Again' Hat
REUTERS/Ana Beltran
However, the Barcelona forward has now broken his silence, explaining why he wore the hat amid backlash from some corners.
"It was just to have fun with my friends and family, and it had nothing to do with politics," Torres said in English during an interview with CNN. "Honestly, I don't know anything about politics.
“It was only about being able to see Spain back on top again, winning the World Cup.”
Torres’ explanation hasn’t gone down particularly well.
One person wrote on X (Twitter): “You can't wear a ‘Make (whatever) Great Again’ hat and pretend it has nothing to do with politics.”
Another said: “It wasn’t funny, knucklehead. You’re oblivious to what’s going on. Continue to play soccer and focus on one thing.”
Torres: I Don't Remember Scoring Winning Goal
Reuters/James Lang
Spain were crowned world champions for the first time after conceding just one goal in eight games during this summer’s showpiece international tournament in North America.
Torres hadn’t scored in any of Spain’s seven previous matches but popped up when it mattered most, scoring the all-important winner in extra-time against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Asked how many times he’s watched his goal back since the final, Torres told TODAY: “Honestly, a thousand times because when I finished the game, I didn’t remember the goal. I just had the feeling that I went crazy, but I couldn’t remember how I scored.”
Torres is currently being linked with various clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, but is currently keeping his options open.
“I have a contract with Barcelona but in football, you never know,” he said. “I’m just waiting to make the right decision.”
Asked if he has a ‘dream’ club, Torres added: “Yeah.”
When asked to name his dream club, Torres, keeping his cards close to his chest, replied: “Just be happy!”