By Jamie Spencer
In the entire 96-year history of the World Cup, only four men have been responsible for scoring the solitary goal in a 1-0 final that brought home the trophy for their country.
Ferran Torres is the latest to earn that legendary status, slamming home Spain’s extra-time winner against Argentina in the 2026 final on Sunday. He joins fellow countryman Andrés Iniesta (2010), as well as German duo Mario Götze (2014) and the late Andreas Brehme (1990).
“There’s no way to describe it,” Iniesta said at the time. This summer, Götze, 23 when it happened to him 12 years ago, told The Athletic the goal changed “the attention, the expectations, everything.”
Even if the 26-year-old Barcelona forward does nothing else in the sport, he will dine on that one moment for the rest of his life and no one can ever take it away.
A difficult 18 months at Manchester City was compounded by a slow start to his Barcelona career. But Torres has had two strong years leading up to the World Cup and enjoyed his most prolific season to date in 2025/26 by netting 21 goals in all competitions. Still, he was dropped from Spain’s World Cup starting XI into a substitute role after the frustrating opening game against Cape Verde and the final winner was actually his first goal of the tournament. It’s ‘clutch’ in the truest sense.
Torres referenced straight after the final whistle in New Jersey the criticism that has been directed his way, but added “destiny gives beautiful things to those who deserve it.” On the strike itself, the player said: “I didn’t think too much. I just saw the ball coming to me and I just shot with the power of all the Spanish people.”
The boot that hit the ball so sweetly from Nico Williams’ downward header was the Under Armour Shadow Elite 4 Mach, which has immediately now become a part of football folklore.
Under Armour say the boot is “built for agility, crafted for control.” Torres had to move swiftly when the ball was floated towards Williams at the far post, with five opponents between him and his teammate as it came over. He was then quickest to react to the bouncing ball and struck it so cleanly, making the shot look straightforward. A lack of control and it could easily have cleared the bar.
The Shadow Elite 4, complete with carbon support and a full-length plate for explosive launches, is considered the brand’s most innovative boot yet. And while Under Armour traces its origin to the gridiron game, it is establishing a growing presence in football.
Torres wasn’t the only player on the winning team wearing Under Armour on his feet. Spain right-back Pedro Porro, someone else who has had to deal with a lot criticism but played a significant role in his country’s success this summer. Barcelona’s Fermín López is another Spanish star signed up and was expected to be part of the squad until breaking a bone in May.
Now, thanks to Ferran Torres, Under Armour is directly and forever attached to the greatest thing any footballer can ever hope to do.
(Images courtasy of Under Armour and IMAGO)
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