Ferran Torres, from the starting eleven to eternal glory

When Spain kicked off their World Cup campaign on 15 June against Cape Verde, Ferran Torres' name was very much in Luis de la Fuente's starting eleven. But in a major tournament, a player's destiny does not always follow a straight line. As the matches went by and tactical adjustments were made, the forward gradually accepted a role as an impact substitute off the bench. On Sunday evening, it was as a supersub that he wrote his name into history by scoring the World Cup-winning goal against Argentina in extra time.

Selfless dedication in service of the collective

The rise of the Lamine Yamal – Nico Williams partnership gradually repositioned the Valencian within the attacking hierarchy. He never let the slightest hint of discontent show. Coming on in every knockout match — against Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and then France — he brought freshness, tactical discipline and positional intelligence to each appearance.

An exemplary attitude praised by his manager, who knew he could count on a player capable of turning a match at any given moment, regardless of his playing time.

The breakthrough at the 106th minute

Coming on in the 61st minute in place of Mikel Oyarzabal in an intense and tight final, Torres wore down the Argentine defence through the repetition of his runs. It was in the 106th minute, deep into extra time, that his instinct made the difference: exploiting a space in behind the opposition's central defence, he slotted the ball past the Argentine goalkeeper with remarkable composure.

That goal, celebrated by an entire nation, rewards both Luis de la Fuente's management and the patience of a forward who knew how to wait for his moment.

The mark of a champion

This second World Cup triumph is above all a victory for Spain's consistency and collective mastery, carried by pillars such as Rodri and Pedri. And yet it will remain inseparable from the perfect touch of their number 11.

By going from starter in the opening match to decisive joker in the final, Ferran Torres is a reminder that a World Cup is not won by eleven players alone, but by twenty-six. A journey of selfless dedication that today earns him a timeless place in the pantheon of Spanish football.