Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres is amongst the most famous footballers in recent years, having risen to fame at a young age. This gifted athlete had a dream of becoming a soccer player, and his parents, despite being from a middle-class household, supported his dream and guided him into the activity. Torres' grandfather was a fan of the 'Atlético Madrid' football club, and he introduced him to the club. Since then, he has desired to be a part of it. He has always been dedicated to the game and has worked tirelessly to improve his performance. He took part in numerous matches hosted in his hometown and was enrolled in the Atlético club at the age of fifteen. He developed into a brilliant player and a valuable part of the team. He quickly rose to prominence as one of the most well-known soccer players, and clubs from all over the world wanted him to join their squads. However, after turning down numerous similar offers, he chose to join the 'Liverpool F.C.,' one of the most well-known football clubs in the world. This sports figure has had numerous dream come true moments, including being a member of Spain's national team when it won its first-ever 'FIFA World Cup.'
Childhood and Adolescence
On March 20, 1984, he was born in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, to José Torres and Flori Sanz. Fernando is the youngest of three siblings, Israel and Mari Paz.
He had a passion for football since he was a child, and in 1989, he joined the 'Parque 84' team and competed in a locally organized football tournament.
His grandfather, who was a fan of the 'Atlético Madrid' team, introduced him to the team. He began his career as a goalkeeper before switching to a striker. He joined the local team 'Mario's Holland' in 1991 and played forward for them, where he excelled.
His family moved to Estorde, Galicia, in 1992, and when his father took him to the team's trophy room the following year, he was overwhelmed to see the trophies of the 'Atlético Madrid' team.
He played for the 'Rayo 13' club when he was ten years old, scoring 55 goals in one season and being selected for an Atlético trial. Fernando was admitted into the club's youth system in 1995 after his performance astounded the guides.
Career
He played in the 'Nike Cup' as an under-15 team player in 1998, and his team, Atlético Madrid, won the competition.
In 1999, Torres signed a deal with Atlético Madrid, which marked the start of his professional football career. He was promoted from the youth squad to the 'Honor Division' of the club a year later.
Fernando represented Spain in the 'European Under-16 Championship' in April 2001, and the team won. He was the leading scorer as well as the finest player.
Torres was promoted to Atlético's senior team in 2001, and on May 27th of the same year, he scored his first goal for the club. Although his side did not win that match, they were promoted to the Liga second division (Segunda Division).
Torres represented Spain in the 'European Under-19 Championship,' and his side won again, with Torres getting the most points and being named the best player.
His side, Atlético Madrid, was promoted to the Liga first division in 2002. (La Liga). He was named to the national team as a member the following year.
This outstanding footballer was also named captain of the Atlético Madrid Club in 2003.
He was elected to the national team (senior team) in 2004 and scored his first goal in a match between Spain and Italy. In the same year, he played for Atlético Madrid in the '2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup,' however, the team fell 3-1 on penalties in the finals.
Spain did well in the qualifying in 2005, and the national squad was chosen for the 'World Cup.' Despite their efforts, the team was unable to get to the finals.
After a twelve-year relationship with 'Atlético Madrid,' he left the club in 2007 and joined the 'Liverpool' Football Club. In the same year, he made his 'Premier League debut and scored a goal.
Spain had a great reason to celebrate in 2008 as they were crowned European champions.
He played in the 'Premier League in 2009 and scored his 50th goal for Liverpool in the tournament, breaking the record for the fastest player to score a 50th goal in the league.
Fernando was a member of the Spanish team who won the 'FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and became World Champions. This was his country's first World Championship victory.
From 'Liverpool Football Club' to 'Chelsea Football Club' in 2011, he switched clubs. As a member of the 'Chelsea F.C.' that won the 'UEFA Champions League' in 2012, he played in the competition.
In the 'Premier League' versus Manchester City in 2013, his last-minute goal gave his club the victory. In the following year, he signed a two-year loan with 'A.C. Milan.' He made his debut for the club in September of that year.
He rejoined 'Atlético Madrid' in December 2014 to play for the squad the following season.
Achievements & Awards
In the 2008 UEFA Euro final, he was named 'Man of the Match.' He was awarded the 'FIFA Confederation Cup Silver Shoe' the following year.
In 2012, he won the UEFA Euro Golden Boot, and the following year, he won the FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Shoe.
Personal History and Legacy
Since May 27, 2009, he has been married to Olalla Domnguez Liste. Nora, the couple's daughter, and Leo, the couple's son, are their children.
'Oliver Mayor Cystic Fibrosis Foundation', 'UNICEF', 'Liverpool's Disabled Supporters Association', 'Club Atletico de Madrid Foundation', 'Talita Foundation', 'Multiple Sclerosis Foundation', 'Grow up Playing Foundation', and 'Montse Benitez Foundation' are among the charitable organizations with which this sports personality is associated.