Spain’s football hero inspires unusual tribute
Oceanografic aquarium in Valencia has named a resident sandbar shark after Spain’s World Cup final hero and marine conservation champion Ferran Torres.
Footage from Tuesday shows Ferran Torres – the two-metre-long sandbar shark – gliding through Oceanografic Valencia’s main aquarium as visitors watch from the underwater tunnel and stop to take photos.
Barcelona and Spain forward Ferran Torres was born in Foios near Valencia, where he came up through the ranks before earning a transfer to Manchester City. It was his goal that downed Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup, cementing his place in Spanish football history.
Why the shark was named Ferran
He is widely known by the nickname ‘The Shark’ (‘El Tiburon’) because of his aggressive, relentless style of play, and has previously worked with the Oceanografic Foundation to promote marine conservation.
Marga, who leads the shark care team at the aquarium, which is one of Europe’s largest, explained how the idea first came about. “I had the opportunity to meet him personally and show him our shark aquarium. He impressed me as someone genuinely interested in animals and a true shark enthusiast,” she said.
“During the World Cup, Ferran gave us an incredible moment with his great goal and played exceptionally well. That’s when we decided, ‘The grey shark has to be Ferran,'” Marga explained.
An open invitation to meet his namesake
She also invited the footballer to meet his namesake. “Oh, Ferran is more than welcome to come and meet the other Ferran. We’ve collected some of the teeth shed by Ferran, the Oceanografic shark, and we’d love to give them to Ferran when he comes to visit,” she added.
The caretaker explained that naming the shark helps raise awareness about shark conservation, encouraging people to learn more about the species and why these critically-endangered animals need protection.
Endangered species needs protection
The sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. Recognised by its bluish-grey colouring and prominent dorsal fin, the species faces growing pressure from overfishing and habitat loss in parts of its range.
The sandbar shark is classified as endangered by the IUCN due to significant population declines from commercial fishing, late maturity, and low reproduction rates.
Article by Viory.
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