PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Félix Eduardo Torres Caicedo |
| Date of Birth | 11 January 1997 (Age: 29) |
| Place of Birth | San Lorenzo, Ecuador |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Height | 1.87 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #4 (Internacional) |
| Current Club | Internacional (on loan from Corinthians) |
| Previous Clubs | LDU Portoviejo, Barcelona S.C., Santos Laguna, Corinthians |
| International Caps | 50 |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ecuador, having qualified with their best-ever qualifying campaign—32 points from 18 matches—arrived in North America as a team ready to defy expectations. For Félix Torres, the journey to his second World Cup had been one of steady progression—from the Ecuadorian domestic league to Mexico, from Mexico to Brazil, and finally to the global stage.
When Ecuador’s 26-man squad was announced on May 31, 2026, Torres was among the defenders selected, a veteran presence in a squad aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2006. The 29-year-old centre-back had been a cornerstone of La Tri’s defense for seven years, accumulating 50 caps since his international debut in 2019.
Torres had already experienced a World Cup in 2022, playing in all three of Ecuador’s matches as they were eliminated in the group stage. Now, he returned to the tournament with the experience of a player who had competed at the highest level. His 50th international cap came during the tournament itself—a milestone that reflected his importance to the Ecuadorian setup.
The tournament was the culmination of a journey that had seen Torres rise through the ranks of Ecuadorian football, win a league title with Barcelona S.C., become a mainstay at Santos Laguna in Mexico, and earn a move to Brazilian giants Corinthians. Now, he was representing his country on football’s greatest stage for the second time.
Origins
Félix Eduardo Torres Caicedo was born on January 11, 1997, in San Lorenzo, Ecuador. His footballing journey began in the Ecuadorian youth system, where he joined the youth academy of Alianza del Pailón, developing there from 2013 to 2015.
His professional career commenced with LDU Portoviejo, where he began to make his mark in Ecuadorian football. In December 2016, at just 19 years old, Torres signed with Ecuadorian Serie A side Barcelona S.C. on an initial one-year loan deal. The move would prove transformative for his career. He made his debut for the side in a 2-1 victory over Macará on July 2, 2017, and scored his first goal in a win over Guayaquil City F.C. on November 5, 2017. Two weeks later, Torres joined the club permanently, signing a six-year contract.
His talent was recognized early on the international stage. He represented Ecuador at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making eight appearances for the youth side. He received his first call-up to the Ecuador senior national team in February 2017, though he did not make his debut at that time.
The Forge
Barcelona S.C. (2017-2019):
Torres’s senior career at Barcelona S.C. was marked by steady development. In the 2017 season, he made 27 league appearances, scoring 1 goal. In 2018, he made 6 appearances, scoring 1 goal, and in 2019, he made 8 appearances, scoring 2 goals, including two appearances in the Copa Libertadores. Over his time at the club, he made 27 appearances and scored 3 goals, establishing himself as one of Ecuador’s most promising young defenders.
Santos Laguna (2019-2023):
In January 2019, Torres transferred to Mexican club Santos Laguna, following his former Barcelona coach Guillermo Almada, who had taken charge of the side. Over four seasons in the Liga MX, he became a key player, making 126 league appearances and scoring 12 goals. His performances at Santos Laguna earned him international recognition and a place in the Ecuador squad for the 2022 World Cup.
His best season at Santos Laguna came in 2022-23, when he made 34 appearances and scored 3 goals. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 5 goals in 18 appearances. Overall at Santos Laguna, he made 126 league appearances and scored 12 goals.
Corinthians (2024-Present):
On January 14, 2024, Torres was announced as a Corinthians player, signing a four-year contract with the Brazilian giants. His first season at the club saw him make 22 Série A appearances and 11 Campeonato Paulista appearances, though he did not score. In 2025, he made 10 Série A appearances and 10 Paulista appearances, scoring once in the Copa Libertadores. Overall at Corinthians, he made 32 league appearances and 80 appearances across all competitions, scoring 1 goal.
Internacional (Loan, 2026-Present):
In 2026, Torres moved on loan to Internacional, another Brazilian Série A club. In the 2026 season, he made 12 Série A appearances and 5 Campeonato Gaúcho appearances, scoring 1 goal. His loan move provided him with regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.
The International Stage
Ecuador Debut (2019):
Torres made his official debut for Ecuador in 2019. He represented Ecuador at the 2021 Copa América, where he made 9 appearances and scored his first international goal against Paraguay on September 2, 2021.
World Cup 2022:
Torres was named in Ecuador’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing in all three of his nation’s matches as they were eliminated in the group stage. His World Cup debut came against Qatar in the tournament opener.
Copa América 2024:
Torres was called up to the final 26-man Ecuador squad for the 2024 Copa América.
World Cup Campaign (2026):
On May 31, 2026, Torres was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his 50th appearance for Ecuador during the tournament. Torres had been a key part of Ecuador’s successful qualification campaign, appearing in key matches as Ecuador achieved their best-ever qualifying campaign with 32 points from 18 matches. Ecuador was drawn into a group alongside Germany, and Torres came off the bench to help Ecuador secure a stunning 2-1 victory over the four-time world champions.
International Record:
Torres has earned 50 caps for Ecuador, scoring 5 goals. He has represented Ecuador at the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2026 World Cup. His international goals include strikes against Paraguay (World Cup qualifier, 2021), Brazil (World Cup qualifier, 2022), Australia (friendly, 2023), and Uruguay (World Cup qualifier, 2023), where he scored a brace in a 2-1 victory.
The Anatomy of His Game
Félix Torres is a centre-back defined by his physical presence, aerial ability, and experience. Standing at 1.87 meters (6 ft 2 in), he combines height with strength and positional awareness.
In Possession:
Torres is a composed presence in possession, capable of playing out from the back. He has contributed goals throughout his career, scoring 5 international goals and 12 goals for Santos Laguna. His ability to contribute in the opposition penalty area, particularly from set pieces, makes him a valuable attacking asset from defense.
Out of Possession:
Torres is a reliable and consistent defender. He has accumulated over 280 professional appearances across three countries by age 29. His experience at the international level—50 caps across multiple tournaments—has honed his reading of the game and positioning. He is a player who can be deployed on either side of central defense, being comfortable on the left or right side.
Psychological Edge:
Torres’s mental resilience is evident in his career trajectory. From the Ecuadorian domestic league to Mexico and Brazil, and from the youth national teams to two World Cups, he has consistently risen to challenges. His disciplinary record is notable—he has accumulated 5 yellow cards across his 50 international appearances, suggesting a player who is disciplined and reliable.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2026 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Série A (Internacional) | 12 | — | — | 0 | — | — |
| Campeonato Gaúcho (Internacional) | 5 | — | — | 1 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Ecuador) | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 17 | — | — | 1 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Barcelona S.C. (loan) | Ecuadorian Serie A | 27 | 1 |
| 2018 | Barcelona S.C. | Ecuadorian Serie A | 6 | 1 |
| 2019 | Barcelona S.C. | Ecuadorian Serie A | 8 | 2 |
| 2019-20 | Santos Laguna | Liga MX | 13 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | Santos Laguna | Liga MX | 27 | 1 |
| 2021-22 | Santos Laguna | Liga MX | 34 | 3 |
| 2022-23 | Santos Laguna | Liga MX | 34 | 3 |
| 2023-24 | Santos Laguna | Liga MX | 18 | 5 |
| 2024 | Corinthians | Série A | 22 | 0 |
| 2025 | Corinthians | Série A | 10 | 0 |
| 2026 | Internacional (loan) | Série A | 12 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 211+ | 16 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Copa América | 9 | 1 | Scored vs Paraguay |
| 2022 World Cup | 3 | 0 | Group stage |
| 2024 Copa América | — | — | Selected in squad |
| 2026 World Cup | — | — | 50th cap during tournament |
| World Cup Qualifiers | — | 4 | Goals vs Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay (2) |
| Friendlies | — | 1 | Goal vs Australia |
| TOTAL | 50 | 5 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | U20 World Cup | Represented Ecuador U20 |
| 2017 | Barcelona S.C. Debut | Ecuadorian Serie A debut |
| 2019 | Santos Laguna Move | Joined Liga MX club |
| 2019 | International Debut | Ecuador senior debut |
| 2021 | Copa América | 9 appearances, 1 goal |
| 2021 | First International Goal | vs Paraguay, World Cup qualifier |
| 2022 | World Cup Selection | Qatar 2022, 3 appearances |
| 2024 | Corinthians Move | Signed for Brazilian giants |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Ecuador squad |
| 2026 | 50th International Cap | World Cup tournament |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable consistency and achievement. Torres has made over 280 professional appearances across three countries by age 29, scoring 16 goals from defense. His 50 caps for Ecuador at 29 reflect his value to the national team. His selection for two World Cups (2022 and 2026) demonstrates the esteem in which he is held by his national team coaches.
The Present Tense
Félix Torres is 29 years old and in the prime of his career. He is Internacional’s defender on loan from Corinthians, an Ecuador international, and a two-time World Cup participant.
The Club Situation:
Torres joined Corinthians in January 2024 on a four-year contract. He spent the 2026 season on loan at Internacional, making 17 appearances across the Série A and Campeonato Gaúcho, scoring one goal. His loan move provided him with regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.
The World Cup Campaign:
Torres was named in Ecuador’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been selected on May 31, 2026. He made his 50th appearance for Ecuador during the tournament. Ecuador was drawn into a group that included Germany, and Torres came off the bench to help his side secure a stunning 2-1 victory over the four-time world champions. Ecuador had qualified with their best-ever campaign, winning 32 points from 18 matches. The tournament is Torres’s second World Cup, following his participation in Qatar 2022.
International Record:
Torres has earned 50 caps for Ecuador, scoring 5 goals. He has represented Ecuador at the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2026 World Cup. His international goals include strikes against Paraguay, Brazil, Australia, and Uruguay.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Félix Torres is defined by his journey from San Lorenzo to the World Cup stage. Born in the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas, he developed through the youth system before making the leap to professional football.
His career has been a journey across continents—from Ecuador to Mexico, and from Mexico to Brazil. He has experienced the highs of representing his country at two World Cups and the challenges of adapting to new leagues and cultures.
His 50th international cap, achieved during the 2026 World Cup, was a significant milestone in his career. It reflected his longevity and importance to the Ecuadorian national team setup.
The Verdict from the Camp
TSN, on Ecuador's World Cup campaign:
“Ecuador opened the 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 win against hosts Qatar but ended third in the group… However, their 2026 qualifying campaign ended up being the best in their history, winning 32 points from 18 matches.”
TSN, on Ecuador's key players:
“Star players: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Felix Torres (Corinthians), Gonzalo Plata (Flamengo).”
FIFA, on Torres's milestone:
Felix Torres registered his 50th cap for Ecuador during the 2026 World Cup.
Where Next?
Félix Torres is 29 years old and in the prime of his career. He is currently on loan at Internacional from Corinthians, with his future at Corinthians uncertain following his loan spell.
For Ecuador, he is a key defender and a leader in the squad. His World Cup experience—playing in two tournaments and earning his 50th cap—has added to his international pedigree. With 50 caps, he will be a valuable squad member for future tournaments.
For Internacional, he is an experienced defender who has provided solidity to the backline. His loan spell has been productive, and his future will be determined in the coming months.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from the Ecuadorian Serie A to Liga MX, from Liga MX to Brazilian Série A, and from the Ecuador youth teams to two World Cups. He has earned his place through consistent performance, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
The boy from San Lorenzo who made his debut at Barcelona S.C. has become a Santos Laguna mainstay, a Corinthians defender, and a two-time World Cup participant. Félix Torres’s journey is a story of resilience, achievement, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
