Ferran Torres: From Guwahati to World Cup Glory

Ferran Torres, the Spanish forward who scored the winning goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, has roots in Guwahati, where he played in the Under-17 World Cup. This article explores his journey from a promising young talent to a World Cup hero, highlighting his memorable match in Guwahati and the significance of that experience in shaping his career. Discover how this small chapter in Guwahati contributed to his remarkable story and the memories it holds for local fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 20, 2026, 18:44 IST

A Journey from Guwahati to World Cup Stardom

Spain's World Cup-winning scorer Ferran Torres (Photo: FIFA)

Guwahati, July 20: Before Ferran Torres etched his name in World Cup history with the decisive goal against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, he had already made a mark in Guwahati.

As a 17-year-old, Torres stepped onto the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium's field in Sarusajai, unaware of his future as a football icon.

On October 17, 2017, Guwahati was the venue for an electrifying FIFA Under-17 World Cup Round of 16 match between Spain and France. Torres was part of Spain's starting lineup, aiming for a spot in the quarterfinals.

This match became one of the tournament's highlights.

France initially took the lead with a goal from Lenny Pintor, but Spain rallied back. Just before halftime, Juan Miranda equalized with a header from a Torres cross. In a thrilling finish, captain Abel Ruiz scored a penalty in the 90th minute, securing a 2-1 win for Spain and advancing them to the next round. Although Torres did not score, his assist was crucial in this significant match at Sarusajai.

For the local football fans, it was a chance to see future stars before they became famous. Torres, then a rising talent from Valencia's academy, was one of the standout players.

Nearly ten years later, Torres achieved the pinnacle of his career by scoring the only goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, leading Spain to their second world title and marking an incredible transformation from a teenage talent to a World Cup champion.

This connection makes Guwahati a noteworthy chapter in Torres' inspiring journey.

For those who filled the stands that October night in 2017, the memories now hold a deeper significance. They witnessed, perhaps unknowingly, the future scorer of a World Cup-winning goal.

Every World Cup creates legends, and for Ferran Torres, one of the earliest parts of that narrative unfolded in Guwahati.