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 win over Argentina. Days later, however, the Barcelona striker found himself smiling for a very different reason after Princess Leonor reminded him of a promise he had made before the tournament.The World Cup-winning Spanish team 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 defending champions Argentina through Torres’ decisive winner in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium.The reception featured King Philip VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia greeting each member of the team individually. As the occasion celebrated Spain’s historic triumph, a brief exchange between Princess Leonor and Torres quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the day after videos were widely shared on social media.
Princess Leonor recalls the promise of Torres in the World Cup
As Torres approached the royal family during the greeting line, Princess Leonor, wearing a personalized Spain shirt with the number 26 in tribute to the 2026 World Cup, surprised the striker with an unexpected question, showing that she had clearly followed the team’s journey enough to remember such a specific promise.Once read on lips and later reported by the Spanish newspaper markthe heir to the Spanish throne asked the Barcelona forward: “Weren’t you supposed to shave off all your hair?”Caught a little off guard, Torres immediately smiled before answering: “No, no!”The light-hearted exchange provoked laughter from Princess Leonor and quickly became one of the most shared clips from the Spanish celebrations.According to Marca, Leonor’s playful observation referred to a public promise that Torres had made before the World Cup, when he promised to shave off all his hair if Spain continued 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 seems unlikely.
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)
The goal of the match capped an unforgettable tournament
Torres’ winning goal against Argentina ensured his name was permanently etched in Spanish football history.After a tense final that remained goalless in 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 hand La Roja their 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 his 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 undoubtedly represented the defining moment of his professional career, scoring the goal that brought the World Cup to Spain 16 years after the country’s first triumph in South Africa.
Many stars of Spain still have promises to fulfill
While Torres appears to have reneged on his promise, many of his Spain teammates are still expected to honor the unusual promises made before the tournament.According to reports, Marc Cucurella, Alex Baena, Borja Iglesias and Yeremy Pino have committed to getting coach Luis de la Fuente’s face tattooed after Spain’s triumph.Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has pledged to grow a beard and mustache for three weeks and has also promised to give away 100 pairs of headphones to supporters through a fan raffle.Midfielders Gavi and Pedri are also expected to fulfill their own bet by dyeing their hair bold new colors.Whether any promise is eventually realized remains to be seen, but Princess Leonor’s timely reminder has ensured that at least one of Spain’s World Cup bets is back in the spotlight.