Marc Cucurella wasn’t joking around. The Spain defender has had a portrait of coach Luis de la Fuente tattooed on him, trophy in hand, framed by a giant number 26. It was a promise made before the final and kept just weeks after the title — and for Premier League followers, there’s an added twist: Cucurella made the move away from Chelsea before getting the ink done.
The tattoo taking over social media
In the images posted by Cucurella, Luis de la Fuente’s face is clearly visible holding the World Cup trophy, framed by the number 26 in reference to the 2026 tournament. “Promise kept,” the Spain full-back wrote alongside the pictures and video, and the post spread rapidly within hours.
The news comes a month after Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, a match in which Cucurella played all 90 minutes — mirroring his record of not missing a single minute across the entire tournament.
Life after Chelsea: settling in at Real Madrid
The tattoo lands at a pivotal moment for Cucurella, who completed a £52m move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in June. Premier League fans who watched him at Stamford Bridge will now see him lining up in Spain’s top flight instead, fresh off a World Cup winner’s medal.
It’s a reminder of how directly the Premier League competes with Spain’s biggest clubs for elite full-backs — and how quickly a World Cup title can accelerate a big-money move away from England.
De la Fuente, the coach who took Spain to the top
After the final, Luis de la Fuente said he expected Cucurella to stick to his word. The Spain coach, who had already won the European Championship before this World Cup triumph, continues to build his reputation as one of international football’s most respected tacticians.
That trust between De la Fuente and his squad is widely cited as one of the foundations of Spain’s flawless run through the first 48-team World Cup.
FAQ
Why did Marc Cucurella get a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente?
Cucurella had promised before the World Cup 2026 final that he would get a tattoo of his coach if Spain won the title. After beating Argentina 1-0, he kept his word.
Where does Marc Cucurella play now?
Cucurella joined Real Madrid in June in a £52m transfer from Chelsea.
What was the score in the World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina?
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final to win the 2026 World Cup.
What exactly does Cucurella’s tattoo show?
It’s a portrait of Luis de la Fuente holding the World Cup trophy, alongside the number 26 in reference to the 2026 tournament.
Did Cucurella play every minute of the World Cup 2026?
Based on available reports, Cucurella played every minute of Spain’s campaign, including the final.
🏆 AI Analysis – World Cup 2026
Mysports AI uses advanced data models to deliver the best odds, dark horse analysis and betting tips.
Get predictions