According to Marca, Atletico Madrid captain Koke received the Medal of Madrid awarded by the Madrid City Council during the San Isidro festivities. He emphasized a sense of belonging, using himself as an example of "a kid from Vallecas," and stated that "dreams will eventually come true."
Atletico Madrid captain Jorge Resurrección Koke received the Medal of Madrid, awarded by the City Council on the occasion of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro. During the event, he called on people to maintain a "sense of belonging" to the city and the team, and stressed that "dreams will eventually come true."
The medal was presented to Koke by Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who is also a well-known Atletico fan. Koke's award reasons include his "exemplary professionalism, insightful understanding of football, and his contributions to Atletico Madrid and the Spanish national team."
Koke expressed his gratitude in a video, saying: "There are many complex emotions, but ultimately, it's the feeling I get every day when I wake up, when I go to training, when I put on the jersey every day. I want to invite everyone to have that sense of belonging, to feel what Atletico Madrid means, to allow a kid from the neighborhood, from Vallecas, to stand here today."
Also honored was Real Madrid basketball player Sergio Llull, who was recognized for his "unique dedication, discipline, and leadership as an example," and as a basketball legend for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
In addition, biochemist and oncologist Mariano Barbacid, the acting family Guillén Cuervo, and entrepreneur and president of the Spanish-Mexican House Foundation Valentín Díez Morodo received the Madrid Medal of Honor.
Also awarded were Amadeo Lázaro Catalina, founder of the tavern Los Caracoles, who received a warm ovation at Cibeles Palace; jurist Antonio Garrigues Walker; APRAMP, the Association for the Prevention, Reintegration and Care of Prostituted Women; and Cortefiel.
