Spain’s EURO 2024 glory last summer came with fireworks, a trophy, and royal handshakes – but also a royal heartbreak.
While King Felipe VI welcomed the victorious national team to Zarzuela Palace after their 2-1 win over England, it was not the golden medals or team spirit that had Spain talking.
Instead, all eyes turned to a brief, viral handshake between Princess Leonor and Barcelona’s rising star, Gavi.
The handshake that stirred a nation
Leonor, next in line to the Spanish throne, smiled warmly at Gavi during the reception – and Spanish media instantly rekindled long-standing rumors of her crush on the 20-year-old midfielder.
The speculation wasn’t new.
Whispers of her admiration had surfaced as early as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Gavi exploded onto the global stage.
Following a standout performance, King Felipe reportedly had Gavi sign a youth-sized Spanish jersey – sparking gossip that it was a gift for Leonor.
Some tabloids even claimed her school folder at Atlantic College in Wales was once decorated with pictures of the footballer.
Royal request denied
Now, fresh reports suggest King Felipe tried to play matchmaker again – requesting a special signed shirt for his daughter.
But Gavi is said to have drawn a hard line.
According to sources, the Barcelona prodigy politely declined any romantic overtures, reportedly telling the palace that he wants to stay focused on his career and avoid distractions.
Unrequited crush in royal colors
While fans and media reveled in the image of a fairytale love between the princess and the player, the reality appears far less enchanted.
Gavi’s reported refusal has added a new, bittersweet twist to Spain’s golden summer.
Even as red confetti settled over Madrid and chants echoed through the capital, it wasn’t just Spain’s win that left people talking – it was the headline that the nation’s future queen may have faced her first heartbreak.
After the palace reception, the team visited Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at La Moncloa and paraded through Cibeles in front of thousands.
Yet through it all, the most talked-about goal may have been the one that never was – a royal romance stopped at midfield.