Real Madrid and Real Sociedad players formed a guard of honour at the Santiago Bernabéu for World Cup champions Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Cucurella walked between the two teams holding the World Cup trophy in his arms before joining Oyarzabal at the center of the pitch. The crowd applauded both players as they were announced over the stadium loudspeakers ahead of the opening match of the LaLiga EA Sports season.
Barcelona cancel World Cup tribute
In contrast to the ceremony in Madrid, FC Barcelona will not hold a tribute for their own World Cup winners when they face Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the decision in statements to official club media, explaining that the Royal Spanish Football Federation had proposed a recognition ceremony for the team's World Cup winners. Laporta said the club decided against the event because it was not taking place in the most appropriate context or environment.
He added that the club communicated the decision to the federation, which understood the position completely. Laporta said football should serve to unite people rather than create confrontations that benefit no one.
The cancelled event would have honoured Lamine Yamal, Pedri González, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, and recent signing Rodri Hernández. It was also set to include Ferran Torres, who recently transferred to French club Paris Saint-Germain.
Display of Catalan flag
Rather than celebrating the World Cup squad, Barcelona will carry out an act of exaltation for the estelada flag during Thursday's fixture against Athletic Club.
The decision follows an incident last Sunday in the town of Elche, in Alicante province, involving police and a supporter carrying the flag. The estelada is an unofficial banner associated with Catalan independence.
Laporta said the flag represented the way of thinking of many Barcelona fans and Catalans. He noted that the Spanish Constitution defines Spain as a democratic state under the rule of law that protects freedom of expression, adding that the estelada falls within that protection.
Stadium context and governing bodies
The Santiago Bernabéu is Real Madrid's home venue in the Spanish capital, while Spotify Camp Nou serves as FC Barcelona's stadium in Catalonia. Both clubs compete in LaLiga EA Sports, the top division of Spanish football.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation is responsible for overseeing national competitions and the Spanish national team. The July World Cup tournament saw Spain secure the trophy, with players from several LaLiga clubs featured in the winning squad.
