Ferran Torres scored what will almost certainly be remembered as the most important goal of his career when his extra-time strike secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina. Days later, however, the Barcelona forward found himself smiling for a very different reason after Princess Leonor reminded him of a promise he had made before the tournament.Spain’s World Cup-winning squad received an official welcome from the Spanish royal family at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid following their triumphant return from North America, where Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated defending champions Argentina through Torres’ decisive 106th-minute winner at the New York New Jersey Stadium.The reception featured King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía greeting each member of the squad individually. While the occasion celebrated Spain’s historic triumph, one brief exchange between Princess Leonor and Torres quickly became one of the day’s most talked-about moments after videos circulated widely across social media.
Princess Leonor remembers Torres’ World Cup promise
As Torres approached the royal family during the greeting line, Princess Leonor, wearing a custom Spain jersey featuring the number 26 in tribute to the 2026 World Cup, surprised the striker with an unexpected question, proving she had clearly followed the team’s journey closely enough to remember such a specific promise.Once lip-read and later reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, the heir to the Spanish throne asked the Barcelona forward: “Weren’t you going to shave off all your hair?”Caught slightly off guard, Torres immediately smiled before replying: “No, no!”The light-hearted exchange prompted laughter from Princess Leonor and quickly became one of the most widely shared clips from Spain’s celebrations.According to Marca, Leonor’s playful remark referred to a public promise Torres had made before the World Cup, when he vowed to shave off all of his hair if Spain went on to lift the trophy.Although Torres fulfilled the far more important part of that prediction by helping Spain become world champions, the dramatic haircut now appears unlikely to happen.
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Match-winning goal capped unforgettable tournament
Torres’ winning goal against Argentina ensured his name became permanently etched into Spanish football history.After a tense final that remained goalless through regular time, Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute of extra time when Torres converted from close range to seal a 1-0 victory and deliver La Roja’s second men’s World Cup title.The goal completed a dominant performance from Spain, who controlled possession throughout the contest and prevented Lionel Messi’s Argentina from registering a single shot on target during normal time before lifting the trophy.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
For Torres, it represented arguably the defining moment of his professional career, scoring the goal that brought the World Cup back to Spain 16 years after the country’s first triumph in South Africa.
Several Spain stars still have promises to fulfil
While Torres appears to have backed away from his promise, several of his Spain teammates are still expected to honour unusual pledges made before the tournament.According to reports, Marc Cucurella, Alex Baena, Borja Iglesias and Yeremy Pino have committed to getting tattoos of head coach Luis de la Fuente’s face following Spain’s triumph.Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal promised to grow a beard and moustache for three weeks and also pledged to give away 100 pairs of earphones to supporters through a fan draw.Midfielders Gavi and Pedri are also expected to fulfil their own bets by dyeing their hair in bold new colours.Whether every promise is eventually carried out remains to be seen, but Princess Leonor’s well-timed reminder ensured at least one of Spain’s World Cup wagers returned to the spotlight.
