- 22 October, 2026
Zaragoza , Spain, October 22, 2026: Spain’s national football team coach, Luis de la Fuente, presented the World Cup trophy to the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza on 19 October, in a ceremony celebrating faith, gratitude and national sporting achievement.
De la Fuente was accompanied by Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and other representatives from Spanish football. Hundreds of people gathered inside and outside the basilica to witness the occasion, which was also attended by Archbishop Carlos Escribano of Zaragoza and Father Juan Sebastián Teruel, dean of the metropolitan chapter.
Speaking after the offering, De la Fuente described the experience as deeply moving, highlighting his personal devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar.
“It is a tremendously moving experience. You all know of my devotion to the Virgin of the Pillar, and I feel very happy and proud to be here with all of you,” he said, according to the Church in Aragon website.
The coach personally carried the trophy for much of the visit, describing his return to the shrine as an unforgettable experience that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
The offering was led by Louzán, who addressed the Virgin on behalf of the football federation.
“Today we come to your feet, on behalf of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, to offer you this World Cup with gratitude, with humility, and with emotion,” he said, according to the RFEF’s official website.
Louzán recalled the historical and spiritual connection between Our Lady of the Pillar and the faith of Hispanic peoples, noting that football also unites people through a shared passion.
He prayed that the Virgin would accompany members of the Spanish football community, helping them celebrate victories with humility and show solidarity towards others.
“Help us to make football a school of camaraderie, effort, and solidarity,” he said, encouraging the community to place teamwork and the common good above individual interests.
He concluded by entrusting the trophy to Mary and asking for her guidance as Spain’s football community continues its work with pride and responsibility.
Archbishop Escribano also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the qualities that help teams achieve their goals.
“Teamwork, conviction, faith, and leadership have shown us everything we can accomplish,” he said.
Referring to Spain’s two world titles, the archbishop expressed hope that the national team would achieve further success in future competitions.
Jorge Azcón, president of the regional government of Aragon, also made a special request. He asked Louzán to ensure that every member of the national team received a ribbon representing the approximately 14-inch height of the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar.
The ceremony took place three months after thousands of people in Zaragoza celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory.
Before visiting the basilica, the delegation attended an official event at the city hall, where Mayor Natalia Chueca recalled the joy the tournament brought to the city.
The programme also included a visit to the construction site of the new La Romareda stadium, which is expected to accommodate more than 40,000 spectators as Zaragoza prepares to host matches during the 2030 World Cup.
The visit brought together sporting achievement, civic pride and Marian devotion, highlighting the enduring significance of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza’s religious and cultural life.
Courtesy : EWTN News
Photo Credit : Zaragoza City Council
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FAITH ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD: WORLD CUP 2026 : Volume 1
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