Spain’s World Cup winners were honoured by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at a ceremony in Madrid on Tuesday.

The premier said the players were role models, especially for young girls in the country, revealing that the squad would be awarded a special Spanish gold Medal for Merit in sports.

“Spain is proud of you. This will be the century of women and real equality,” he pronounced.

Sánchez added that there was “still a lot to do” in terms of women’s rights “but we are on the right path.”

There was controversy surrounding the Spain squad before the tournament after a row about the coach’s methods.

Meanwhile, the Spanish football federation chief was forced to apologise after an outcry following him kissing a player on the lips during the trophy presentation in Sydney on Sunday.

Spain beat England 1-0 for their first women’s world title.

A reception at the Spanish royal palace in Madrid is not scheduled until September 19, media reported.

After landing in Madrid from Australia, the World Cup’s top player, Aitana Bonmatí and team-mates travelled in an open-top bus through the Spanish capital late on Monday.

They celebrated their World Cup triumph with thousands of people, who were dancing and playing music.

“This World Cup title belongs to you,” defender Ivana Andrés told the cheering fans as the party went on long into the night.