A mural honoring star Ferran Torres in Barcelona has become the focus of widespread controversy after it was vandalized just hours after its completion, in an incident linked to political tensions surrounding the issue of Catalan identity.
The Italian artist Salvatore Beninende, nicknamed TVBoy, painted the mural in the Gràcia district of Barcelona to celebrate the Barça and Spain striker who scored the winning goal against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, giving La Roja its second world title.
However, the artwork did not last long, as unknown individuals defaced it with white paint on Wednesday morning, just hours after it was completed. Writings against Spanish unity and demands for the recognition of Catalan sports teams appeared on the remains of the mural, in a move that many considered to be a message of a political nature rather than a sporting one.
The incident coincided with the ongoing controversy surrounding the Spanish national team's celebrations, after Ferran Torres appeared wearing a red hat bearing the phrase "Make Spain Great Again," a quote from US President Donald Trump's slogan.
The scene sparked mixed reactions within Spain. While some saw the hat as merely a joke related to the final being held in the United States, others considered it a political message that stirred particular sensitivity in the Catalonia region.
For his part, artist TVBoy confirmed that he will continue to paint his murals despite his works being vandalized, stressing that art should remain a space for expression and dialogue, far removed from political polarization.
The mural that TVBoy has dedicate to Ferran Torres pel seu gol in the final of the Mundial this period for 24 hours. The artist's office at Salvatore Benintende is located in the Gracia barrio, in the Parada of the Joanic metro, in the local area that the artist uses normally... pic.twitter.com/G2HfzSN0RL
This was not the first incident, as other murals in Barcelona, including works depicting Lionel Messi and Lamine Jamal, had been vandalized in recent days, amid a tense atmosphere following the end of the World Cup.
In a separate context, Ferran Torres faced criticism after allegations circulated regarding his real estate investments, with a member of parliament accusing him of exploiting the real estate market through his private company.
However, sources close to the player denied these claims, stressing that his real estate investments are limited, and that most of what is being circulated about him owning dozens of properties lacks accuracy, noting that his company’s activity is focused on commercial assets and not on speculating on housing.
