Full Breakdown
Trump Praises Ferran Torres’ “Make Spain Great Again” Cap Amid Political Backlash
7/25/2026, 7:56:53 PM
Core Event – Trump’s Comment on the Cap
During the post-match celebrations of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup victory, forward Ferran Torres wore a bright red cap emblazoned with “Make Spain Great Again,” a phrase echoing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. On July 24, President Trump responded to the ensuing controversy, calling the gesture “a nice tribute” and saying he believed Torres “meant it very nicely.” “Well, he's a great player, and he was wearing, essentially, a Make America Great Again cap,” — Donald Trump, US president
Background & Context – MAGA Slogan and Spanish Political Climate
The slogan “Make America Great Again” became synonymous with Trump’s 2016 campaign and his subsequent political movement. In Spain, the right-wing party Vox had previously used a similar phrasing, “Make Spain Great Again,” during the run-up to the tournament. The cap therefore sparked a split in public opinion: some interpreted it as a light-hearted nod to the president, while others viewed it as an endorsement of a right-wing political message.
Data & Statistics – Match Details and Cap Visibility
- The final took place on July 19, 2026, at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
- Torres entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute and scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute of extra time, giving Spain a 1-0 win over Argentina.
- Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez set a World Cup final record with 11 saves.
- Photographs and video from the victory parade repeatedly showed Torres wearing the cap, and he later posted images of the headwear on his Instagram account.
Official Statements & Responses
- In a press conference in Washington, President Trump said he considered the cap “a great gesture” and praised Torres as “a great player.” He added that the gesture was made “in good faith” and expressed appreciation for the tribute.
- Ferran Torres has not publicly explained his choice of headwear, leaving the interpretation open to debate.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alongside Trump, carried the World Cup trophy to the Spanish players during the ceremony, underscoring the event’s global visibility.
Criticism & Opposition
- Left-leaning politicians and commentators criticized the cap as a political statement.
- Critics on social media argued that the cap aligned the player with Trump’s movement, suggesting it was more than a harmless piece of merchandise.
- Vox and other right-wing figures defended Torres, portraying the cap as a benign celebration item and rejecting accusations of political endorsement.
Timeline
- July 19, 2026 – Spain lifts the World Cup trophy; Torres is photographed wearing the “Make Spain Great Again” cap throughout the victory parade in Madrid.
- July 24 – President Trump delivers his remarks praising the cap and dismissing the controversy as a misunderstanding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, he's a great player, and he was wearing, essentially, a Make America Great Again cap,” — Donald Trump, US president
