Ferran Torres after leading Spain to World Cup triumph: ‘Things always come to those who deserve them most’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has etched his name into Spanish football history.

His extra-time winner in the 106th minute against Argentina secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup, producing a moment that will forever be remembered alongside Andrés Iniesta’s iconic strike in the 2010 final.

Sixteen years after another Barcelona player delivered Spain’s first World Cup title, it was once again a Barça forward who wrote the decisive chapter.

It was Ferran’s first goal of the tournament, but it could not have arrived at a more important moment.

With Argentina reduced to ten men and defending desperately in search of a penalty shootout, Torres delivered the breakthrough Spain had been searching for.

Player of the Match

Ferran’s unforgettable performance in the final against Argentina earned him the MVP of the Match award.

The match-winner for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Speaking after lifting the World Cup, the forward insisted the goal belonged to the entire country rather than himself.

“I think the goal is the least important thing. At the end of the day, the goal belongs to 47 million people, not to me. What I want is to lift that trophy and squeeze it tight,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“It’s the dream of the 47 million people in Spain who’ve been right there on the pitch with us. It belongs to everyone.”

He also reflected on the journey that led Spain to the title, saying:

“This was a marathon, not a sprint. Things always come to those who deserve them most, which is why you have to work hard.”

Responding to the critics

Ferran admitted he had faced criticism throughout the tournament but never stopped believing.

“I’ve been criticised throughout the World Cup, but destiny is already written. Thankfully, God gives me the strength to keep going,” the Barcelona forward said.

Ferran won it for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Although he started Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde, the only game in which La Roja failed to score, he later accepted a different role without complaint.

Despite losing his place in the starting eleven, he featured in every match of Spain’s World Cup campaign, underlining his importance to Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

A huge summer for Ferran

The goal caps an outstanding year for the Barcelona forward, who finished the club season with 21 goals before becoming Spain’s World Cup hero.

His stock has never been higher. With just one year remaining on his Barcelona contract and strong interest from PSG, Ferran’s historic winner is only likely to increase the attention surrounding his future.

For now, though, transfer speculation can wait as celebrations take centre stage. Ferran will forever be remembered as the man whose “Shark bite” delivered Spain’s second World Cup.