After scoring the winning goal for Spain at the 2026 World Cup final, Ferran Torres’s name will be cemented in football history, and the weight of such a historic accomplishment is not lost on him. “I think it’s gonna be the biggest moment in my whole life,” he said on a midday stroll through Chinatown. “This goal means a lot for me, for the whole country, for my family.”

While visiting New York City in early August, Torres made a detour to the heart of Lower Manhattan to talk to Hypebeast and try some classic local cuisine. In the few blocks between the Hypebeast office and the famous Dim Sum cafe Nom Wah, it didn’t take long for international tourists to take notice, asking for photos and calling his name. However, Torres was happy to stop for pictures and even signed an FC Barcelona jersey. “I came to New York like three years ago, and I could walk in the street. Right now it’s like everyone is recognizing me,” he explained inside the cafe. Even the restaurant manager, who first warned against using flash inside, asked for a photo when he realized who all the commotion was actually for.

What Torres was most excited to do upon his return from North America wasn’t to disappear on a remote island getaway, but to come home to the Spanish fans: “Seeing all the people out in the streets and how they celebrated, it was just unbelievable.” At just 26 years old, Torres is the striker who secured the country’s second-ever World Cup victory. And he did it during an unusually dramatic tournament, with controversy off the pitch and rivalries on it keeping spectators on edge until the very end.

Hypebeast: How does it feel to score the winning goal in the World Cup? What was that moment like for you?

Ferran Torres: I think it’s gonna be the biggest moment in my whole life because this goal means a lot for me, for the whole country, for my family. It was very exciting to score, to have the opportunity to win the World Cup. We just went crazy and got together, jumping and singing “Champions”.

What was your favorite city you visited during this tournament?

By far, it was New York. I think every time I visit New York, it makes me feel more in love with it. It’s a lovely city. Yesterday I went to Central Park, took some pictures, and just sat on a bench. I also had some food and just watched the people coming around.

What you were most excited to do once you got back to Spain after the tournament?

Just the celebration with the people! Seeing all the people out in the streets and how they celebrated, it was just unbelievable.

What did you miss most about Valencia when you were away?

To be honest, being close to my family and friends because it’s been a long time away from them.

After such an intense season, what are some of your favorite recovery activities?

For me, the most important thing obviously is sleeping well. That’s so important. But I try to do all the things that are going to help me recover faster.

What are some things that you like to do when you get a full day off?

I take my dogs and go to the mountains, just to be around them and close to them.

Are there any other sports you like to play casually outside of football?

I love padel. I think it’s my second sport. Whenever I can, I like to play padel.

Do you have a favorite NBA team?

I would say the Lakers, but not right now because I’m a big fan of LeBron.

So you’re a Philadelphia (76ers) fan now?

Yeah! I would like to see him play before he retires.

Who are some of your favorite artists to listen to before a game or while training to get into the zone?

I love Justin Bieber. Before the game, I listen to his music almost every time. But I didn’t have the opportunity to meet him during the World Cup halftime performance! It’s something that I would like to have the opportunity to do one day; he’s my favorite artist.

What are your top three Justin Bieber songs?

“Beauty and a Beat,” “Baby,” and then I’ll choose something for being in love, like “Lifetime.”

Can you tell me about the shoes you were wearing when you scored the winning goal?

It was the Shadow Elite. I’ve been with Under Armour as my career has advanced. I’m really happy to be with them.

Do you keep the shoes that you score with?

Yeah, of course. I’m gonna put those in my house in a big space with the trophy.

What sneakers are you wearing these days, just casually?

These, I love them. [Pointing at his feet] These are the Under Armour Flex. I think I wear them the most.

How would you describe your personal style outside of your uniforms?

Since about a year ago, I’ve been trying to wear different things. In football, I think every player tends to wear things the same way. I’m trying to be different, like chill. Depending on the situation, I’ll do it one way or the other.

So outside of the uniform, are you usually wearing more neutral colors or do you enjoy color?

I love black. I love full black. For me, it’s the perfect outfit.

Are there any people who inspire your style?

The Beckham family — the father and sons. I love them. Justin Bieber’s style is very different too, and that’s why I love him. I try to pick something from all of them.

Do you have a Spanish style icon?

Uh, not really. Maybe I’m going to be the next inspiration for the young people. That’s what I want, to be the next Beckham in Spain.

So when you’re putting together an outfit, what do you pick out first?

I would say the pants. I always start with the pants, and then depending on the pants, I choose different things for the top.

Are you a sneakerhead?

A sneakerhead? Yeah. I love it. I even buy some shoes that I never wear.

What about favorite places to shop when you’re in New York City?

Before the final, I went to the pop-up for SKYLRK, the new brand of Justin Bieber. I almost bought everything! It’s one of my favorites. And I put on my SKYLRK sunglasses right after the final.

What else did you get at the pop-up?

I got like 10 shirts, pants, shoes, everything I could.

Do you have places in Barcelona that you feel like people have got to hit if they’re visiting?

I have a few places over in Passeig de Gràcia, which is the city center, and in Santa Eulalia there are some [brands] I love to [shop].

[Food Arrives] Well, this is chicken feet. Have you ever had chicken feet?

No, I’m gonna try it…

Mmm… It’s good!

What was your diet like during the World Cup here in the United States?
The team cooked food for everyone, and you could choose from different things. But I love pasta. It’s my favorite dish.

Did you discover any good American junk food that you really liked?

I love to go to Shake Shack. No Shake Shack, no Krispy Kreme [in Spain]. That’s why I have to come back maybe in a few years to play here. During the World Cup, I bought a box [of donuts] and brought it to the team; they were all in love.

What’s your Shake Shack order?

I like a chocolate shake with a bacon cheeseburger. Yeah, I love bacon.

Who eats the most on the team?

Me or Pedri.

Since your nickname is The Shark, what are some of your favorite types of seafood?

Sushi. For sure.

What about food when you’re in Valencia?

Food? Yeah, I love paella. Paella from Valencia. Have you ever tried it?

I have, but not in Valencia.

That’s not good. That’s not good. If you go to Valencia, you have to try it. It is the best one in the world!

Has your life changed since winning the World Cup?

I came to New York about three years ago, and I could walk in the street. Now it feels like everyone is recognizing me. Yesterday, I went to Central Park, and when I came back to the hotel, there were like 20 fans waiting.

Is it like this back at home too?

Yeah, I was in Barcelona for one day, and people were waiting outside my house. I might have to start looking for another place to rent in Barcelona.