Wales' achievement of reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 is set to be recognised by thousands of fans at a Cardiff homecoming party on Friday afternoon.
The journey in France is over after losing 2-0 to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal in the last four but the sporting landscape in Wales has seemingly changed forever.
In a nation where rugby union has traditionally dominated the sporting agenda, if not actually being reflected in participation numbers, Euro 2016 has represented something of a seismic shift in Welsh sport.
The country has fallen in love with football - be it schoolchildren or older generations watching in packed fan zones at home or those who travelled to France in such large numbers - and the sporting picture might never quite be the same ever again.
The tournament created many special memories for Welsh management, players and supporters alike.
Wales had waited 58 years to grace a major tournament, but when they finally got there they were in no mood to let the moment pass them by.
"We are hoping that this story and journey we have been on will change Welsh football forever," said midfielder Joe Allen. "We weren't ready to go home, but it wasn't meant to be for us.
"The whole package was amazing.
"We all know how long the wait has been, it's been very long, so even to have been in the group stages was incredible.
"To reach the semi-finals has surpassed everything we expected and the whole nation is proud.
"The Belgium game, when Vokesy (Sam Vokes) got the third goal and it looked like that would be enough, that was a huge moment for us.
"The celebrations on the pitch, the singing, they are moments that will stick with you forever.
"The message is clear, its been a huge success story for Welsh football and I'm honoured to be a part of it.
"We have to use this experience as a springboard, we don't want this to be a one-off for Welsh football.
"We want this to be what inspires us to do it again and again."
"With the quality we have got in the team, the set-up we have, we are confident we will do that."
Source: PA
