Ferran Torres scored what will be remembered as the most important goal of his career as his extra-kick put Spain in second place. FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina. A few days later, the Barcelona player found himself smiling for a completely different reason when Princess Leonor reminded him of the promise he made before the tournament.The Spanish team that won the World Cup received an official welcome from the Spanish royal family at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid after their triumphant return from North America, where Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated the defenders of Argentina through Torres’ winner in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium.At the party were King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta SofÃa greeting each member individually. While the ceremony celebrated Spain’s historic victory, one brief exchange between Princess Leonor and Torres became the most talked-about moment of the day after videos were widely circulated on social media.
Princess Leonor remembers Torres’ World Cup promise
When Torres approached the royal family in the greeting line, Queen Leonor, wearing the Spanish jersey with the number 26 in tribute to the 2026 World Cup, surprised the player with an unexpected question, confirming that she had followed the team’s journey very carefully to remember the real promise.Once lip reading and later it was reported by a Spanish newspaper Marchthe heir to the Spanish throne asked the Barcelona leader: “Haven’t you shaved off all your hair?”A little taken aback, Torres immediately smiled before replying: “No, no!”The lighthearted exchange made Princess Leonor laugh and quickly became one of the most shared videos at Spanish festivals.According to Marca, Leonor’s teammate spoke about the public promise Torres made before the World Cup, when he vowed to shave off all his hair if Spain lifted the trophy.Although Torres fulfilled a key part of that prophecy by helping Spain become world champions, a dramatic haircut now seems unlikely.
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The match-winning goal made for an unforgettable contest
Torres’ winning goal against Argentina cemented his name in the history of Spanish football.After a tense final that remained scoreless throughout, Spain secured victory in the 106th minute of extra time when Torres converted from close range to seal a 1-0 victory and give La Roja their second World Cup men’s title.The goal capped off a superb performance from Spain, who dominated throughout the tournament and prevented Argentina’s Lionel Messi from registering a single shot on target in good time before lifting the trophy.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring his first goal during the World Cup final 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 the defining moment of his career, scoring the goal that brought the World Cup back to Spain 16 years after the country won its first in South Africa.
Several Spanish players still have promises to fulfill
Although Torres appears to have reneged on his promise, several of his Spanish teammates are expected to honor the unusual promises made before the game.According to reports, Marc Cucurella, Alex Baena, Borja Iglesias and Yeremy Pino have volunteered to get head coach Luis de la Fuente’s face tattooed following Spain’s win.Lamine Yamal, who was a teenager, promised to grow a beard and mustache for three weeks and also promised to give away 100 earphones to his followers through a drawing.Midfielders Gavi and Pedri are also expected to live up to their bet by dyeing their hair in bold colours.Whether any promises will be fulfilled remains to be seen, but Queen Leonor’s timely memorial ensured that one of Spain’s World Cup stars is back on track.