The shark 'Ferran Torres' is already swimming in the Oceanogràfic of Valencia
The name of the Barça footballer has been chosen by the aquarium in recognition of his commitment to marine conservation
BarcelonaBesides being one of the most popular footballers of the moment thanks to the goal that gave Spain victory against the Argentine national team in the football World Cup final, Ferran Torres has also inspired the Oceanogràfic of Valencia, the largest aquarium in the European Union, to name one of its sandbar sharks, of the species carcharhinus plumbeus. The decision was made in recognition of the footballer's connection with marine conservation and to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting these cartilaginous-bodied, rough-skinned fish. "We want to reinforce the message that these animals are emblematic and indispensable for the functioning of ecosystems," the institution states in a press release.
The shark specimen named Ferran Torres is a male measuring two meters in length. His first and last names were chosen to name the shark for several reasons: in addition to being born in the Valencian Community – in the municipality of Foios – he has been an ambassador for the Oceanogràfic Foundation during the years 2024 and 2025 and is known in sports by the nickname 'Tauró' (Shark).
The species to which the shark Ferran Torres belongs, the carcharhinus plumbeus, is currently part of the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.