Kilos of confetti and tons of hope were thrown and collected throughout the city. Hundreds of thousands of people came out to accompany the parade, confirming that Barcelona excites, that it has touched a chord and reaffirms its connection with the people and especially with the young culés. The streets embraced the League champions, the footballers who crushed Madrid in 35 matchdays. The most uninhibited fans identify with the fun spirit that this team exudes on and off the field. It is a champion with a lot of charisma. Or with aura, as they say now.
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It was a full parade, also with Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick. The genius from Rocafonda, injured, has missed the last three matches, but he did not miss the party. The German coach, affected by the death of his father, did not want to miss the communion with the Barcelona fans, something that fascinates the coach and his assistants.
A champion with aura
Fans identify with the fun spirit that this team exudes on and off the field
The culés crowded the sidewalks to welcome the open-top bus, not to mention the balconies, packed as if it were Estafeta Street during the Sanfermines. The children and youngsters opened their eyes wide when they saw their idols. It was a quick, almost fleeting moment, but one that will remain in their memory, because the communion achieved is unique, a unity that goes beyond the successes due to the way of playing, acting, and enjoying, just as the motto on the shirt worn by all the players and staff read: A way of being, a way of winning.
Joan Laporta, the elected president, and Rafa Yuste, the acting president, saw off the delegation from the Spotify Camp Nou. Fermín carried the Spanish Super Cup while captain Ronald Araújo was the one who brought the League trophy onto the bus, won on Sunday. In both titles, Barça emerged victorious from the duel with Real Madrid.
At 5:20 p.m., the parade left the stadium esplanade and set off. As soon as they got on the bus, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia, Raphinha, and Koundé strategically positioned themselves at the back of the bus. It was unpredictable. The most nervous and restless were eager. They took their positions and did not move from there.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski went to the front of the vehicle at the start of the route. It was a poetic image, as if the veteran Polish striker wanted to hold those images in his memory. Perhaps because his days as a Barcelona player are ending since his contract expires on June 30. His compatriot Szczesny soon joined him. Together they experienced an exclusive party. The goalkeeper kept devouring: Coca-Cola, ice cream, pizza, and hamburger, in addition to the vaper.
It was not their first time. However, Joan Garcia was making his debut in a massive parade. The League (and the January Super Cup) are the first two titles he has won. “I’m having a great time. I was told there would be a lot of people but it’s incredible. All the time they call you and throw things for you to sign. Surely it won’t be the last,” said the Catalan goalkeeper to the official media. Rashford was also debuting, and the Englishman sported a look that did not go unnoticed, with a white fisherman’s hat and matching glasses.
Cancelo and Casadó also passed through the mischievous corner in the queue, and Gavi rode piggyback on Araújo, while the vehicle was continuously bombarded from the air with beach balls thrown by fans who remembered Vinícius and his no Ballon d’Or of 2024. It was not the only reference to Madrid as traffic cones were abundant among the crowd. Rivalry and euphoria always sharpen wit.
Private party
Lewandowski and Szczesny did not move from the front of the bus
Just like celebration and staying up late awaken appetite. Casadó and a few others were feeding by biting into a fuet until before turning to go down Balmes Street, the supply of hamburgers arrived.
Eric Garcia, who is known to do everything on the field, got off to act as the driver’s co-pilot. Upstairs, two flags caught attention. Lewandowski waved an estelada, which was passed to the back with Balde and Raphinha. Later it was Lamine Yamal who took a Palestinian flag from the supporters and raised it. Not for a few seconds but for a few minutes on Passeig de Gràcia, in a powerful image: a global football star supporting and showing solidarity with the Arab country’s cause in the conflict.
Hansi Flick was one of the main protagonists. After the death of his father on Sunday morning, the coach did not hesitate that he wanted to participate in the parade. Sporting successes are hard to achieve and must be celebrated accordingly, was his reasoning. Wearing a black cap, he opted for a low profile although he kept touching his heart to thank the people’s affection.
The star’s claim
Lamine Yamal took and waved a Palestinian flag for several minutes
But upstairs there was enough joy with the young players. And also on the street level. “Every year it seems there are more people. What we seek is for them to be proud of the team and it seems they are happy,” Koundé stated. That is, it is a mutual, two-way admiration. “They are always with us on important days and those that are not so much. It is the club of our lives. We will always be here for them, we love them,” dedicated Lamine Yamal, who recalled that winning every year is not easy. “A Champions parade soon? Surely yes, surely,” predicted Barça’s number 10. “It’s a spectacle to celebrate titles like this. I don’t want to imagine what it would be like with a Champions,” Dani Olmo seconded him.
Unlike last year, the parade was a round trip to the Spotify Camp Nou, a metaphor for a return home that has taken place this season.
