Spain’s World Cup hero Ferran Torres has come a long way from dazzling football fans in India to scoring the goal that secured the biggest prize in world football.
The Barcelona forward, who netted the winner in Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, had showcased his immense talent nearly a decade earlier during the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup hosted in India.
Although Spain finished runners-up to England in the 2017 Under-17 World Cup final, Torres was among the standout performers of the tournament, scoring twice, including one goal in Spain’s 3-1 semifinal victory over Mali.
Football fans in Kerala will especially remember Torres’ performance at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, the home ground of Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters. He scored Spain’s third goal in a 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Iran, giving local supporters an early glimpse of the player who would later become a FIFA World Cup final match-winner.
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In the 2026 World Cup final, Torres replaced Mikel Oyarzabal in the 62nd minute before producing the decisive moment in extra time. In the 106th minute, fellow substitute Nico Williams headed a cross into his path, and Torres made no mistake, firing home the winning goal to seal a 1-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina and secure Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title after their 2010 triumph.
Another member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad with memories of India was Eric Garcia. The defender, who came on during extra time in the final, was also part of Spain’s squad at the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, highlighting how two of Spain’s World Cup winners first showcased their talent on Indian soil before reaching the pinnacle of international football.
