Ferran Torres Nets Hat-Trick on PSG UCL Debut to Earn Player

Ferran Torres has been named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week after a stunning debut for Paris Saint-Germain in the competition. The 26-year-old Spaniard scored a hat-trick in just 26 minutes as PSG thrashed Slovan Bratislava 6-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, September 9.

Torres was the standout performer in the opening round of the 2026/27 group stage. Starting on the left wing, he found the net three times in a devastating first-half display. His goals were central to the 6-1 victory that saw the defending champions begin their title defense in emphatic fashion. This performance saw him top the voting for the weekly award, finishing ahead of competitors like Raphinha and Marc Bartra. It was a perfect introduction to European football with his new club.

Despite the immediate impact, Torres gave himself a modest rating when asked to assess his early days in Paris. Speaking in a post-match interview, he said, "I am someone with high expectations, so I would say a '7'. What is important is that I need to improve physically and technically." He acknowledged the integration process is going well but pointed to the team's broader results. "Almost perfect because we haven't had the results that we have wanted, but it is a good sign that I am integrating, that I am trying to have an immediate impact," Torres added. His competitive debut for PSG in Ligue 1 was also impressive, coming off the bench at half-time to score a brace in a comeback 2-2 draw with Stade Rennais.

Following his match-winning display, Torres was asked for his favorites to lift the trophy this season. He backed his current side but also named three European giants as the primary challengers. "Yes, Barcelona are one of the teams tipped to win the title," he told reporters. "Real Madrid are also a rival, as well as Bayern Munich, and we are too. It will be a big competition." His former club Barcelona began their campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord, while Real Madrid edged Inter Milan 2-1 and Bayern Munich beat Bodo/Glimt 5-0. Torres's comments set the stage for a compelling tournament ahead, with PSG's next test a major away fixture against Manchester City on October 14.

The statistics from his early weeks at PSG illustrate his quick adaptation. His hat-trick against Slovan Bratislava was the fastest of the Champions League matchweek. Across all competitions this season, he has now scored five goals in just four matches for the Parisians. His market value is currently estimated at €55 million according to Transfermarkt, and he is under contract with PSG until the summer of 2031. This form is a continuation of a triumphant summer where he scored the winning goal for Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Ferran Torres won the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week award for September 9.
• He scored a hat-trick in his first UCL start for PSG, a 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.
• Torres named Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich as PSG's main rivals for the title.
• The forward has five goals in four total appearances for PSG so far this season.

PSG fans will be eager to see if Torres can maintain this explosive form. For now, his start in Paris could hardly have been more promising.