Ferran Torres Insists ‘It Was Not About Politics’ After Viral Donald Trump-Inspired Hat Sparks Firestorm
Spain’s World Cup celebrations unexpectedly turned into a political talking point after Ferran Torres appeared wearing a red “Make Spain Great Again” cap during the team’s victory parade in Madrid.
The Barcelona forward quickly became the center of online debate, with many comparing the hat to Donald Trump’s iconic campaign slogan.
Now, Torres is addressing the viral moment himself, insisting the accessory had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with celebrating Spain’s historic triumph.
Ferran Torres has shut down speculation surrounding the red “Make Spain Great Again” cap he wore during Spain’s World Cup homecoming celebrations.
Speaking to CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins on Monday, the Spanish star explained that the now-viral moment had been misunderstood.
“It was a funny moment,” the soccer player said while reflecting on the celebrations, adding, “It was not about politics because honestly, I don’t know about politics.”
Instead, Torres insisted the hat simply reflected the joy of helping Spain reclaim football’s biggest prize.
“It was just to be able to see Spain on the top, winning the World Cup. It was just to have fun with my friends, with my family and nothing about politics,” the 26-year-old shared.
His explanation came after images of the celebration spread rapidly online, sparking debate because of the slogan’s resemblance to Donald Trump’s well-known “Make America Great Again” campaign.
Torres Even Drew Donald Trump’s Attention
The viral images eventually reached the White House. Five days after Spain lifted the trophy, President Trump was asked about Ferran Torres wearing the red cap and responded with praise for the footballer.
“He is a great player,” Trump told reporters on July 24 per NY Post, further noting, “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.”
The White House also joined the online conversation after footage from Spain’s homecoming parade exploded across social media.
“Everyone wants in on the [MAGA] movement,” the White House joked after clips of Torres celebrating circulated widely online.
Video from the festivities showed a shirtless Torres wearing the red cap while standing aboard an open-top bus as thousands of supporters lined the streets of Madrid to celebrate Spain’s victory.
Ferran Torres Says He Still Can’t Stop Watching His World Cup Winner
The attention surrounding the cap followed one of the biggest moments of Ferran Torres’ career.
Earlier, Torres admitted the magnitude of helping his team win the 2026 FIFA World Cup still hadn’t fully sunk in.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show on Monday, he revealed he had watched the championship-winning goal “around a thousand times.”
Torres described the goal as a source of immense pride after enduring criticism throughout the tournament.
Rather than keeping the moment to himself, however, the star insisted the goal belonged to the entire country, revealing it was “for 47 million people” rather than just him or his teammates.
He also described the strike as a “feeling of liberation,” adding that overcoming adversity made the achievement even more meaningful.
Torres’ World Cup Winner Rewrote Spain’s Soccer History
Ferran Torres became Spain’s national hero after scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The dramatic extra-time strike delivered a 1-0 victory and handed Spain its second men’s World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The triumph also marked another historic milestone for La Roja. Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, while finishing the tournament having conceded just one goal in eight matches, a defensive record for a World Cup champion.
The victory capped an unbeaten run stretching to 38 matches, the longest in European international football history.
For Torres, the goal instantly transformed him from one of Barcelona’s key attackers into the face of Spain’s greatest football achievement in more than a decade.
Ferran Torres’ Future At Barcelona Is Already Fueling Transfer Speculation
Away from Spain’s World Cup celebrations, Torres’ club future has also become a major talking point.
During recent appearances in New York following Spain’s title win, the Barcelona attacker acknowledged that his next career move remains uncertain despite being under contract with the Catalan club until 2027.
“In football you never know,” Torres told the “Today” hosts when asked about reports linking him with French club Paris Saint-Germain.
“I have a contract with Barcelona, but in football you never know. I’m waiting to make the right decision. I still don’t know,” he added.
The comments have fueled fresh speculation over whether one of Europe’s biggest clubs could attempt to lure away Spain’s newest World Cup hero before next season.
