Last update 12 December, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
When Fernando Torres debuted as an almost teenager with Atlético de Madrid, He was affectionately known as “The child”. several decades later, It is one of the most emblematic figures in the history of Atlético de Madrid.
His name is written with gold letters in the hearts of mattress fans, Not only for his talent in the field, but also for its emotional connection with the club. We remember the way from its first steps in the lower categories to become an authentic rojiblanca legend.
The first steps of an innate talent
Born on 20 March 1984 in Fuenlabrada, Fernando Torres showed an unwavering passion for football. To the 11 years, in 1995, entered the quarry of Atlético de Madrid, where he quickly stood out for his skill with the ball and his scoring instinct.
In the lower categories mats, Torres already showed being a different striker, Combining speed, technique and an extraordinary scoring smell. His ascent was meteoric, and in 2001, with alone 17 years, debuted with the first Atlético team in a match against Leganes, In the Second Division. It was the second year in the hell of Atlético and Luis Aragonés was the one who gave him the alternative.
He 27 May 2001, in front of our Sunday rival, The Leganés, Fernando debuted @Torres With the first Atleti team ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/Ukl3yPrQcH
- Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) October 18, 2024
The resurgence of Atlético de Madrid
Fernando Torres was fundamental in a critical stage for Atlético de Madrid, When the club struggled to return to the elite after its descent in 2000. in the season 2001-2002, The team achieved promotion to First Division, And Torres began to consolidate as a natural leader within the locker room, Despite his youth.
It was there when Aragonés, I was going to start the legend of ‘El Niño’. A link that would later unite the veteran coach and the striker to win the Eurocup of 2008 With a goal from ‘El Niño’ against Germany in the final.
But back to 2002, In his first campaign in the highest category, Torres not only maintained its performance, but became the top scorer of the team, winning the respect of colleagues, rivals and fans. His ability to score goals at crucial moments made it essential for the team.
Fernando Torres: Colchero idol and captain
As the seasons advanced, Torres not only grew as a player, but also as a symbolic figure of Atlético de Madrid. In 2003, with just 19 years, assumed the responsibility of carrying Captain's bracelet, An extraordinary achievement that reflects its influence inside and outside the field.
During his first stage at the club (2001-2007), Fernando Torres accumulated 91 goals in 244 parties, An impressive record for a striker who represented the essence of the fight and mattress pride. Although the team crossed ups and downs in sports terms, Torres was always the lighthouse that illuminated the road.
Mitchell Gunn | Dreamstime.com
The painful exit towards Liverpool
In 2007, Fernando Torres left Atlético de Madrid to sign for him Liverpool, A decision that was difficult for him and fans. The club needed economic income, And Torres was looking for new challenges in his career. Despite the sadness of his departure, The fans always considered it “one of yours”.
In England, Towers reached a stellar level, consolidating as one of the best strikers in the world. Your speed, Smart movements and scoring capacity made him an icon of the Liverpool of Rafa Benítez and the Premier League.
Mitchell Gunn | Dreamstime.com
The Return of the Prodigal Son
In January 2015, Fernando Torres returned to Atlético de Madrid, After passing through Chelsea and Ac Milan, Fulfilling the dream of thousands of fans who never stopped chanting their name. His return was more than a signing: It was an act of love and loyalty towards the club that saw him born as a footballer.
Torres was key at important times, as his goal before him Barcelona in the Champions League 2015-2016. With Atlético, conquered his first title with the club: the Europa League 2017-2018, Putting the touch of gold to a race full of unforgettable moments.
Withdrawn like a hero
Fernando Torres played his last game with Atlético de Madrid El 20 May 2018, In an emotional encounter against the Eibar in the Metropolitan Wanda. Although the result was anecdotal, The fans' ovation made it clear that “The child” He had transcended his role as a player to become a legend.
After his professional retirement in 2019 In Japanese football, Torres has remained linked to the club as coach of the lower categories and the Atlético subsidiary, transmitting their experience and values to the new generations.
Fernando Torres in the Spanish National Team: Of discussed to the National Hero
Fernando Torres' career with the Spanish team is one of the most prominent of its generation. Before shining with the absolute selection, Torres had already demonstrated its quality with the lower categories. In 2001, He was the top scorer and best player in U-16 European Championship, Where Spain was proclaimed champion. A year later, repeated success by winning the UEFA European Under-19, confirming as one of the great promises of Spanish football.
Debut with the absolute before fulfilling the 20
Fernando Torres debuted with the absolute selection the 6 September 2003 In a friendly match against Portugal. I had alone 19 years, But his talent already positioned him as one of the great hopes of Spanish football. His first goal would come in 2004, In a match against Italy, and since then he began to consolidate himself as a key striker for The red.
World 2006: First great showcase
The World Cup in Germany 2006 It was the first important Torres tournament with the Spanish team. Although Spain fell in the round of 16 against France, Torres left good feelings by scoring three goals in the group stage, demonstrating their ability to shine on the biggest scenarios.
The Euro Cup 2008: The goal that scored an era
Fernando Torres's most iconic moment with the selection came in the Euro Cup 2008. Spain, that had been conquering a great tournament for decades, He reached the final against Germany as a favorite. In that match, Torres scored the only goal after a brilliant individual play that culminated with a subtle touch on goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
Mitchell Gunn | Dreamstime.com
That goal not only gave Spain its second European title, but marked the beginning of a golden era for The red. Torres was chosen in the Tournament team Thanks to his performance and was recorded in the collective memory of Spanish football as the hero of Vienna.
World 2010: Part of the historical title
Although Torres was not at his best physical moment during the South Africa World Cup 2010, It was an important piece of the team that achieved the greatest milestone in the history of Spanish football: The conquest of the World Cup.
Although it did not mark in the tournament, His delivery and it was not his best Torres tournament participated in several games and in the last minutes of the final where Andrés Iniesta scored before Holland the most important goal in Spanish football history.
Euro Cup 2012: Consecration
In the Euro Cup 2012, Torres was again the protagonist. Although it was not an indisputable holder, He took advantage of his opportunities and scored three goals during the tournament, including one in the final against Italy, that ended with an overwhelming victory for 4-0.
Mitchell Gunn | Dreamstime.com
Torres became the Golden Boot of the tournament, being the top scorer thanks to his decisive actions and demonstrating that he was still an elite striker.
world of 2014: The sad farewell of the selection
Fernando Torres retired from the Spanish team in 2014, behind the Brazil World Cup, where Spain was eliminated in the group stage. It was his last great tournament with The red, ending a brilliant international career.
In total, disputed 110 parties and he scored 38 goals, becoming one of the greatest historical scorers of Spain. His farewell marked goodbye to one of the key figures of the golden generation, the one that conquered two Eurocups (2008 y 2012) And a World Cup (2010). His legacy endures as one of The best strikers in the history of Spanish football.
