7 Ferrán Torres

Born on February 29, 2000, in Foios, Valencian Community, Ferran Torres joined Valencia CF’s youth academy at just six years old. His senior debut came in 2016 with the reserve team, and by 2017, he was promoted to the B-side. A string of impressive performances saw him earn a first-team call-up in 2018, making him the first player born in the 2000s to play in La Liga.

Torres’ rapid rise continued as he scored his first La Liga goal in 2019 and played a crucial role in Valencia’s 2019 Copa del Rey triumph, albeit from the bench. His breakthrough season came in 2019–20, where he became Valencia’s youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer and reached 50 La Liga appearances faster than any player in the club’s history.

In August 2020, Torres secured a move to Manchester City for €23 million, inheriting club legend David Silva’s number 21 shirt. He made an immediate impact, scoring in the EFL Cup and Champions League, becoming the youngest Spaniard to net in three consecutive Champions League games.

His defining moment came in May 2021 when he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United. Despite injuries limiting his game time in the 2021–22 season, Torres left City with a Premier League title and an EFL Cup to his name.

In January 2022, Torres returned to Spain, signing for Barcelona in a €55 million deal. He scored his first goal for the club in a Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao and later starred in El Clásico, contributing a goal and an assist in a 4–0 win over Real Madrid.

The 2022–23 season saw Torres struggle for form amid competition from new signings. However, a stellar performance against Cádiz, where he was named Man of the Match, marked his return to prominence. He later revealed working with a psychologist to overcome his slump.

In January 2024, Torres celebrated his 100th appearance for Barcelona with a hat-trick against Real Betis. He further cemented his place in the squad with a brace against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and a first-half hat-trick against his former club Valencia in the Copa del Rey.

Torres has been a key player for Spain across various age levels. He played a vital role in Spain’s 2017 UEFA U-17 Championship win and later led the U-19 side to European glory in 2019, scoring twice in the final.

After making his senior debut in 2020, Torres quickly became a crucial member of the squad. His first international hat-trick came against Germany in a 6–0 victory. He starred in UEFA Euro 2020, scoring against Croatia in the Round of 16, and later netted twice against Italy in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Torres scored a brace in Spain’s 7–0 demolition of Costa Rica. He was also part of the Euro 2024-winning squad, joining an elite group of players to have won both youth and senior European Championships.

Torres is a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line. Known for his pace, dribbling, and technical ability, he thrives in one-on-one situations and has a knack for scoring crucial goals. His aerial ability and two-footedness make him a dangerous threat in and around the box. Often compared to Joaquín, Torres combines traditional wing play with a modern tactical awareness.

Off the pitch, Torres has been in a relationship with Sira Martínez, daughter of former Spain national team coach Luis Enrique. His dedication to personal development, including mental training, highlights his commitment to excellence