Ferran Torres etched his name into football lore and Spanish history books with his winning goal in the World Cup final against Argentina on July 19, adding a second star to Spain’s national team crest.

Here’s more on the Spanish striker and his momentous extra-time strike:

Spain’s Barcelona connection

Torres, 26, was one of eight players representing La Liga champions Barcelona in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad, with the 2010 World Cup contingent also featuring the same number after forward David Villa’s move, and the parallels do not stop there.

His 106th-minute decider against Argentina was reminiscent of the manner Spain won their first World Cup, with both triumphant teams requiring extra-time winners to break down defensive, disruptive finalists after a goal-less 90 minutes.

In the 2010 final in Johannesburg, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta’s half-volley in the 116th minute of extra time helped Spain edge the Netherlands 1-0.

Both players also have the distinction of helping Spain win the World Cup two years after winning the European Championship, with Torres and Iniesta respectively part of the victorious Euro 2024 and Euro 2008 squads.

Only 2026 World Cup goal

Torres’ strike early in the second half of extra time was his only goal of the 2026 tournament, albeit one of the most important in Spanish football alongside the aforementioned Iniesta’s.

The forward made just one start in the US, coming in La Roja’s goal-less draw against Cape Verde in the group stage, as he was largely used as an impact substitute by coach Luis de la Fuente.

Coming off the bench just after the hour mark in the final, Torres added bite and shar...