The World Cup 2026 final was an event fit for fanfare, and the stars, accordingly, were out in full force. In the stands Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, many familiar faces had gathered to watch the tournament’s final match between Spain and Argentina. Among them was Javier Bardem, a die-hard fan of the Red Fury who had attended many other matches earlier in the tournament.
Often caught on camera, he wore the national team’s official jersey and cheered for the full 90-plus minutes of gameplay. Then, after the final whistle and the customary award ceremony, he took to the field to embrace his idols, as evidenced by the many photos posted on Instagram to capture a moment of joy that, for Bardem, was also an opportunity for deeper reflection.
In a social media post, he shared photos from the tournament and thanked “a group of players who represent Spain’s diversity and stand for the rights of communities and people who need a voice.” (Translated from his caption, originally written in Spanish.)
It’s a tribute to the team—and, likely, in particular to the team’s star, Lamine Yamal, who has been pointed to as Messi’s heir apparent on the global soccer scene—born and raised in Mataró, near Barcelona, to a Moroccan father and a mother originally from Equatorial Guinea. He’s a second-generation Spaniard who, together with his teammates, is the new face of a multi-ethnic country open to the world.
The actor’s caption continues: “Thank you for your example of teamwork, of unsurpassed unity, of elegance, and of sportsmanship. That, indeed, is the example we all celebrate for the millions and millions of children around the world who watch you with eyes full of hope, looking toward the future. Thank you for making us feel so proud to belong to the same country that you represent so well. You are rightfully world champions! Congratulations.”
After the Spain-Portugal match on July 6, the actor had praised the multiculturalism of the team and the country, writing, “In this vibrant Spain, there is room for everyone. These are the colors of a pluralistic and progressive Spain that does not fear its own diversity, but transforms it into its greatest strength. A Spain where all people, regardless of origin, language, culture, sexual orientation, or belief, feel part of a shared vision based on equality, social justice, and mutual respect. A place that recognizes that its history, cultural richness, and diversity are not a threat, but one of its greatest resources.”
A huge soccer fan, regularly supporting Atlético Madrid, Bardem was likely aware that the camera would find him in the crowd. He decided to use the media attention surrounding the World Cup in the US to convey messages important to him, such as his support for Palestine, which he has already expressed on several occasions, including at the Oscars, Cannes, and the Emmys.