This Monday, Spain’s men’s basketball team was celebrated by more than 10,000 fans at the WiZink Center in Madrid, marking a fourth European title. The Madrid venue nearly sold out as fans lined the stands to honor the 12 international players and the coaching staff who steered the team to an unexpected gold medal. The crowd filled the arena and rose to greet the European champions well before their arrival around 8:00 pm, then joined in a party that lasted just over an hour.
Scariolo: “We enjoyed the journey without looking at the final destination”
After introducing all the players and staff, coach Sergio Scariolo spoke to the audience. “Thank you very much, once again we are all European champions,” declared the Italian coach with a rare smile. He then drew a cinematic comparison to illustrate the triumph, recalling a line from a familiar film: if you want something, you should go after it and not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. The statement was met with loud applause from the crowd.
The captain, Rudy Fernández, expressed gratitude for the support and paid tribute to the coaching staff and the traveling squad, noting that much of the trophy’s success rested on the work of those in the white polo who supported the team throughout the journey.
Keys to Spain’s Eurobasket gold medal
In addressing the team, the coach received heartfelt thanks, acknowledging years of collaboration and the shared joy of winning four European gold medals together. The speaker later admitted his appreciation for every teammate who helped him feel confident enough to believe in the group and to enjoy the run as if he were a younger player. The roster was highlighted for particular commendations: Willy Hernangómez for his character and for earning MVP consideration; Lorenzo Brown for his sacrifice and dedication; and Xabi López-Arostegi for always being a desired presence on the floor. The coach himself was singled out, with a light volley of questions about defensive schemes and decisions that reflected the team’s intense focus on win-by-win improvement.
Eternal Spain: sixth gold in 16 years, 12 medals in 15 championships
Motivated by the crowd’s chant of MVP, Willy Hernangómez spoke about all the people who contributed to the journey and the team’s right to celebrate. He expressed gratitude to the coach for the opportunity to be part of a group that achieved excellence together. Lorenzo Brown, also receiving strong applause, thanked the audience and noted that the team’s success had come through unity and trust. Juancho Hernangómez, who starred in the decisive clash against France, recalled a moment when a teammate’s calm voice guided them through pressure and emphasized that the experience felt like a movie turned into reality. Jaime Fernández highlighted the energy of the summer run, while Darío Brizuela praised the lasting bonds formed with his teammates, describing them as friends for life. The event closed with a rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” signaling the end of a memorable night at the WiZink Center.
The celebration underscored Spain’s continued dominance on the European stage, showcasing a mix of veteran leadership and rising talents who contributed to a durable, high-level program. The atmosphere at the WiZink Center reflected not just a victory, but a shared national pride in a team that had endured challenges, grown together, and delivered when it mattered most. The success was framed as the culmination of years of work, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment from every player and coach involved.
As the night concluded, the record stood: Spain’s gold medal in Eurobasket added another line to a legacy built on resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to push beyond expectations. The players and staff walked away with a clear sense of achievement, knowing they had written a chapter that fans would remember for years to come. The celebration at the WiZink Center was not simply about a trophy; it was a public acknowledgment of a team that united a nation in pride and admiration.
In sum, the event at Madrid’s iconic arena captured the essence of Spanish basketball: a blend of skill, heart, and a relentless drive to win, reinforced by the support of a nation that believes in its players and coaches. The victory added a lasting mark to the history of Eurobasket, reinforcing Spain’s position as a perennial favorite on the continental stage.