World Cup Hero Torres Visits Under Armour in Baltimore

The boot that won the World Cup was made in Baltimore.

Spanish striker Ferran Torres scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final on July 19, wearing Under Armour cleats. More than a billion people watched him receive a headed pass and net the winner with his left foot in extra time.

For Under Armour, a Baltimore-based company better known for American football, it was a massive global moment. Torres wore their Shadow Elite 4 Mach FC cleats, which weigh just 7.5 ounces and represent the brand's push into international soccer.

This week, Torres brought his championship celebration home to Maryland. After throwing the first pitch at a Yankees game in New York, he flew on a private Under Armour plane to visit the company's new Baltimore Peninsula headquarters for the first time since signing with the brand in December 2024.

The 26-year-old FC Barcelona player met with Under Armour's product team, trained on the company's field, and posed for photos with founder Kevin Plank and employees. He even stopped by Ravens practice on Thursday, where coach Jesse Minter praised his clutch performance.

"This guy came off the bench in the final of the World Cup, in extra time, scored the game-winning goal," Minter told the team. "Talk about just being ready when your number is called, being at your best when your best is needed."

The Ripple Effect

Torres's visit energized Under Armour employees who worked on the cleats he wore to glory. Seeing a World Cup champion celebrate in their own building turned abstract product development into tangible achievement.

The win also elevated Under Armour's global soccer presence at a crucial time. Torres posted a photo wearing a shirt reading "the boots of a champion don't come in pink," a playful jab at competitors whose pink shoes dominated the tournament.

One goal, one moment, one pair of Baltimore-designed boots brought the world's biggest sporting event home to Maryland.