Fernando Llorente facts for kids

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In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Llorente and the second or maternal family name is Torres.

Quick facts for kids
Fernando Llorente

Llorente playing for Athletic Bilbao in 2010

Personal information

Full name

Fernando Javier Llorente Torres

Date of birth

26 February 1985 (age 40)

Place of birth

Pamplona, Spain

Height

1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)

Position(s)

Striker

Youth career

1994–1995

Funes

1995–1996

River Ebro

1996–2003

Athletic Bilbao

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2003–2004

Basconia

(12)

2004–2005

Bilbao Athletic

(4)

2005–2013

Athletic Bilbao

262

(85)

2013–2015

Juventus

(23)

2015–2016

Sevilla

(4)

2016–2017

Swansea City

(15)

2017–2019

Tottenham Hotspur

(2)

2019–2021

Napoli

(3)

2021

Udinese

(1)

2021–2022

Eibar

(2)

Total

522

(151)

International career

2003

Spain U17

(2)

2005

Spain U20

(5)

2005–2006

Spain U21

(5)

2008–2013

Spain

(7)

2005–2007

Basque Country

(1)

Medal record

FIFA World Cup

Representing Spain
Winner	2010
UEFA European Championship
Winner	2012
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup
Winner	2003

*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Fernando Javier Llorente Torres, born on February 26, 1985, is a famous Spanish former football player. People called him El Rey León, which means 'The Lion King' in Spanish. He played as a striker, a forward player who scores goals.

He began his career at Athletic Bilbao, joining their youth teams. He became a key player for the club after his first team debut in 2005. In the 2011–12 season, he scored 29 goals, becoming a "Bilbao legend." In 2013, he moved to Juventus and won the Serie A title twice.

After Juventus, he played for Sevilla in Spain in 2015–16. Then, he moved to England, playing for Swansea City in 2016 and Tottenham Hotspur in 2017. With Tottenham, he reached the Champions League final in 2019. He later played for Napoli, Udinese, and Eibar. Fernando Llorente retired from football in 2023 at the age of 38.

From 2008 to 2013, Llorente also played for the Spanish national team. He was part of the teams that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Early Life and Youth Career
Club Football Journey
International Football Career
Playing Style
Career Statistics
- Club Appearances
- International Appearances
Football Achievements
See also

Early Life and Youth Career

Fernando Llorente was born in Pamplona, Spain. He grew up in a town called Rincón de Soto in La Rioja. When he was 11 years old, in 1996, he joined Athletic Bilbao's youth academy. He was able to join because of his family roots in the Navarre region.

Club Football Journey

Starting at Athletic Bilbao

Llorente spent many years in Athletic Bilbao's youth teams. He played alongside another future player, Fernando Amorebieta. In 2003, he moved to Basconia, which is a farm team for Athletic Bilbao. He kept getting better and was promoted to Bilbao Athletic, the club's reserve team.

In the first half of the 2004–05 season, he scored four goals for the reserve team. This earned him a contract extension until June 2008. On January 16, 2005, he played his first game for the main team in La Liga. It was a 1–1 draw against Espanyol. Just three days later, he scored three goals in a Copa del Rey match against Lanzarote, helping his team win 6–0. He played in many more league games that season, scoring three goals. He also played in cup matches and the UEFA Cup.

For the 2005–06 season, Llorente changed his jersey number to 9. He scored on the first day of the season in a 3–0 win against Real Sociedad. However, he faced several injuries that year, like a knee strain and muscle problems. He finished the season with only four goals.

On July 13, 2006, Llorente signed a new contract until June 2011. He started the 2006–07 season as the fourth-choice striker. But because the team wasn't scoring many goals, the coach gave him more chances. He ended the season with two goals in 23 matches. One important goal was in the last minutes of a 1–1 draw against Valencia.

Before the 2007–08 season, Llorente scored six goals in six pre-season games. This great form made him Athletic's main forward. He scored 11 league goals that season, helping his team finish in the middle of the league table. He scored four goals in two games against Valencia and also scored against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

In the 2008–09 season, Llorente had his best year yet, scoring 14 league goals. He also scored four goals in the Copa del Rey, helping his team reach the final. They lost the final 4–1 to Barcelona.

In the 2009–10 season, Llorente scored double-digit goals again. He was the top scorer in the Europa League for a while with eight goals. He also scored 14 goals in the league.

Llorente (foreground) playing for Athletic Bilbao against Barcelona in 2012

On August 28, 2010, Llorente scored the first goal of the 2010–11 season. It was a 1–0 win against Hércules. He continued his good form, scoring seven goals in the next ten league games. He finished the season with 18 league goals, helping Athletic qualify for the Europa League.

Between January and February 2012, Llorente scored five goals in two away matches in just four days. He scored three goals against Rayo Vallecano in a 3–2 win. Then, he scored two goals against Mirandés in the Spanish Cup semi-finals. In the next two home games, he scored three more goals.

Llorente scored in both games against Manchester United in the 2011–12 Europa League. Athletic won both matches and advanced. In the next round, he scored twice against Schalke 04 in a 4–2 win. This helped his team reach the final. His seven goals in the tournament made him Athletic's highest scorer in European competitions at the time.

In August 2012, Llorente decided not to sign a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. This led to rumors that he would leave the club. His relationship with the club's fans and president became difficult.

On January 3, 2013, Athletic confirmed that Llorente was talking with Juventus. On January 21, Juventus announced they were hopeful he would join them on July 1. On January 24, it was confirmed he would sign a four-year deal with Juventus when his contract expired. In his final year at Athletic, he scored five goals in 36 games, mostly as a substitute.

Playing for Juventus

Llorente (right) before a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid in 2013

Fernando Llorente officially became a Juventus player on July 1, 2013. He was given the number 14 jersey. He scored his first goal in Serie A on September 22, helping Juventus win 2–1 against Hellas Verona.

Llorente scored in his second and third UEFA Champions League games. Both goals were against Real Madrid in the 2013–14 group stage. On December 1, he scored the only goal in injury time against Udinese.

In 2014, Llorente scored two goals on January 12 as Juventus beat Cagliari 4–1. This extended their league winning streak to 11 matches. On April 7, he scored both goals in a 2–0 win against Livorno. This guaranteed Juventus at least second place and a spot in the Champions League. On the last day of the 2013–14 season, he scored one goal as Juventus won 3–0 and clinched the championship with a record 102 points.

On June 6, 2015, Llorente played five minutes in the Champions League final. Juventus lost 3–1 to Barcelona.

Time at Sevilla

On August 27, 2015, Llorente joined Sevilla on a three-year contract. He played his first league game three days later, a 3–0 loss to Atlético Madrid. He scored his first goal for Sevilla in a 2–1 loss to Celta on September 20.

On November 8, 2015, Llorente scored a header just four minutes after coming on as a substitute. This helped Sevilla win 3–2 against Real Madrid. A month later, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over his old club Juventus in the Champions League group stage. This win helped Sevilla qualify for the Europa League. Sevilla went on to win the Europa League for the third time in a row. Llorente was a substitute in the final.

Moving to Swansea City

On August 4, 2016, Llorente signed a two-year deal with Swansea City in England. He made his Premier League debut on August 13 in a 1–0 win against Burnley.

On November 26, 2016, Llorente scored two goals in injury time. These goals helped Swansea defeat Crystal Palace 5–4. He scored twice again in another match against Sunderland, which Swansea won 3–0. He finished his first season with 15 goals, helping the team avoid being relegated.

Llorente missed the start of the 2017–18 season because he fractured his arm while cycling during his summer holiday.

Playing for Tottenham Hotspur

On August 31, 2017, Llorente joined Tottenham Hotspur. He signed a two-year deal. He made his debut on September 13, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. He started his first game in the EFL Cup against Barnsley on September 20.

Llorente scored his first goal for Tottenham on December 6, 2017. He played the whole game in a 3–0 Champions League win over APOEL. He made his first league start in January, scoring in a 2–0 win against his old club Swansea.

On February 28, 2018, Llorente scored three goals in a 6–1 win against Rochdale in the FA Cup. On January 4, 2019, he scored another three goals in a 7–0 win against Tranmere Rovers. This was Tottenham's biggest ever away win. His first league start of the 2018–19 season was due to an injury to Harry Kane. He scored an own goal but Tottenham still won 2–1 against Fulham. In the next league game, he scored a late winning goal against Watford.

On February 13, 2019, Llorente scored the last goal in a 3–0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. This was his first goal in the knockout stages of that competition. On April 17, in the same competition, he scored the winning goal against Manchester City. Tottenham advanced on the away goals rule. In the second game of the semi-final against Ajax, he came on at half-time. He played a key role in helping his team come back from being three goals down to draw 3–3 and advance again. In the final in Madrid, he came on as a substitute but could not change the outcome as Liverpool won 2–0.

Llorente's contract with Tottenham ended on June 30, 2019.

Return to Italy with Napoli

On September 2, 2019, Llorente joined Napoli for free. He returned to Italy four years after leaving Juventus. He made his league debut against Sampdoria on September 14. He provided an assist for a goal within minutes of coming on as a substitute. His first goal for Napoli came three days later in the Champions League group stage against Liverpool. He scored in injury time to seal a 2–0 victory.

Llorente was often used as a "super-sub" at Napoli, just like at Tottenham. He rarely started games but was often brought on in the second half. His physical presence helped create problems for tired opposing defenses.

Short Stays at Udinese and Eibar

On January 27, 2021, Llorente signed a contract with Udinese. However, he was released in August of the same year.

On October 27, 2021, after three months without a club, Llorente, then 36 years old, joined Eibar on a one-year deal. He left the club when his contract ended.

Fernando Llorente officially announced his retirement from professional football on February 16, 2023.

International Football Career

Llorente (far left) celebrates Spain's goal against Portugal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Llorente played for Spain's under-20 team in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. He scored five goals, earning him the silver boot as the second-highest scorer. He also played for Spain's under-17 and under-21 teams.

On November 14, 2008, Spain's national team manager, Vicente del Bosque, called Llorente up for a friendly game against Chile. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute of the 3–0 win. He scored his first goal for Spain on February 11, 2009, in a 2–0 friendly win over England. After scoring 14 goals for Athletic in 2008–09, he was chosen for Spain's squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played as a substitute against South Africa, helping Spain win 2–0.

Llorente was not chosen for the national team during the 2009–10 season. However, he was selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as the third-choice striker. He played in one match for Spain, which won the tournament. He played the last thirty minutes of the 1–0 win against Portugal.

On October 8, 2010, Llorente started in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania. He scored two goals with headers in a 3–1 win. Four days later, as a substitute, he scored the winning goal against Scotland in a 3–2 victory. He was part of the squad for the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Spain won the tournament, and Llorente was an unused player.

Llorente was one of seven players who were not chosen for the final squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He also played five times for the unofficial Basque Country team. He scored one goal against Catalonia in 2006.

Playing Style

Fernando Llorente was a tall, strong, and powerful player. His main strengths were his ability to head the ball and his strength in the air. This made him a very effective target-man in his team's attack. He was also known for his smart movement, good positioning, and ability to score goals inside the penalty area. Additionally, he had good technical skills and could link up with his teammates. He was good at holding the ball with his back to the goal, which created space and scoring chances for others.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Basconia	2003–04	Tercera División	33	12	—		—		—		—		33	12
Bilbao Athletic	2004–05	Segunda División B	16	4	—		—		—		—		16	4
Athletic Bilbao	2004–05	La Liga	15	3	4	3	—		1	0	—		20	6
	2005–06		22	2	3	2	—		—		—		25	4
	2006–07		23	2	1	0	—		—		—		24	2
	2007–08		35	11	5	1	—		—		—		40	12
	2008–09		34	14	9	4	—		—		—		43	18
	2009–10		37	14	2	1	—		11	8	1	0	51	23
	2010–11		38	18	3	1	—		—		—		41	19
	2011–12		32	17	6	5	—		15	7	—		53	29
	2012–13		26	4	2	0	—		8	1	—		36	5
	Total		262	85	35	17	—		35	16	1	0	333	118
Juventus	2013–14	Serie A	34	16	1	0	—		10	2	—		45	18
	2014–15		31	7	4	1	—		9	1	1	0	45	9
	2015–16		1	0	0	0	—		0	0	1	0	2	0
	Total		66	23	5	1	—		19	3	2	0	92	27
Sevilla	2015–16	La Liga	23	4	6	0	—		7	3	—		36	7
Swansea City	2016–17	Premier League	33	15	1	0	1	0	—		—		35	15
Tottenham Hotspur	2017–18	Premier League	16	1	6	3	2	0	7	1	—		31	5
	2018–19	Premier League	20	1	2	3	4	2	9	2	—		35	8
	Total		36	2	8	6	6	2	16	3	—		66	13
Napoli	2019–20	Serie A	17	3	1	0	—		6	1	—		24	4
	2020–21	Serie A	3	0	1	0	—		0	0	1	0	5	0
	Total		20	3	2	0	—		6	1	1	0	29	4
Udinese	2020–21	Serie A	14	1	0	0	—		—		—		14	1
Eibar	2021–22	Segunda División	19	2	2	0	—		—		1	0	22	2
Career total			522	151	59	24	7	2	83	26	5	0	676	203

International Appearances

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Spain	2008	1	0
	2009	4	2
	2010	8	5
	2011	6	0
	2012	2	0
	2013	3	0
Total		24	7

Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Llorente goal.

List of international goals scored by Fernando Llorente
No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	11 February 2009	Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Seville, Spain	England	2–0	2–0	Friendly
2	20 June 2009	Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa	South Africa	2–0	2–0	2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
3	28 May 2010	Tivoli-Neu, Innsbruck, Austria	Saudi Arabia	3–2	3–2	Friendly
4	7 September 2010	Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Argentina	1–3	1–4	Friendly
5	8 October 2010	Estadio El Helmántico, Salamanca, Spain	Lithuania	1–0	3–1	Euro 2012 qualifying
6	8 October 2010	Estadio El Helmántico, Salamanca, Spain	Lithuania	2–1	3–1	Euro 2012 qualifying
7	12 October 2010	Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland	Scotland	3–2	3–2	Euro 2012 qualifying