Sent cross‑legged on the grass, fist raised, smile that wouldn’t fade — an image already etched into Spain’s soccer history. Pedro Porro struck that pose on the turf at AT&T Stadium, the same one he first flashed in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. From L.A. to Dallas, he’s become one of the heroes of a historic night.

Spain has only reached two World Cup semifinals in its entire history, and the MVP of the second is a 26‑year‑old who refuses to let success change him. A player who gets emotional when he talks about his family. Every goal is for them — especially for Pedro Jr., his ten‑month‑old son. The baby couldn’t be in the stadium, but he’s always with his dad.

For my son

“The goal was for my my son, who couldn’t come here today. He’s not been well and has a fever. It was a strange mixture of emotions, because he wasn’t able to be here just when his daddy scored a goal. So I dedicated it to him… I’m sure he’ll be feeling a little better tomorrow” Spain’s free-scoring defender said in the mixed zone, clutching his MVP award.

The celebration was for his son — because that raised‑fist gesture is exactly what “miniPedro” does when asked how his dad celebrates goals. He lifts his tiny fist, just like all of Spain is doing now.

Porro looked up into the stands hoping to see his whole family, but only his wife, father‑in‑law, and physio were there. “I know that the whole of Spain is watching and supporting us on television - including my family and everyone in Extremadura. This would not have been possible without them,” he added.

Talent, resilience, and daily work drive him — but his family is the engine behind everything. Some are with him “doing the Americas,” others supporting from afar.

A call from his grandfather

Back home, his grandfather Antonio is cheering him on. “He called me to see how I was,” Porro shared on the show El verano se mueve. Antonio told him to get ready because he planned to fly to the final. Porro laughed and said he couldn’t — “I’ve got a ventilator!” Then came the quiet, confident smile: “He’ll get to see me here, all in good time, when we are world champions.” He has the word of Antonio - or “Maromo,” as he’s lovingly known.

Porro’s agent, Toni Pla, explained to AS before the World Cup began: “His grandfather looked after him while his parents were out working. He took him to training, to games... he gave him, along with his parents, wonderful values both on and off the pitch. He has a big heart, one that barely fits his chest.” And since Porro’s World Cup debut, he hasn’t stopped soaring - something he could never have imagined in his wildest dreams.

Whatever happens next — whether Spain earns its second star or not — this tournament already belongs to Pedro Porro. It will forever be his World Cup.

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