Marc Cucurella, the talented Chelsea full back, has become a household name in Spain. Known for his remarkable performance during the European Championship, he was a key player in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup, combining attacking flair with defensive quality. Cucurella even assisted Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal in the final against England, securing Spain’s 2-1 victory.
Off the pitch, Cucurella charmed fans with his cheerful personality and sense of humour. His fame grew further when a catchy chant, “Cucu, Cucurella comes to paella,” went viral, and he dyed his hair red to celebrate Spain’s European triumph. These moments endeared him to fans, making him the third most-searched footballer on Google in Spain, behind Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.
Marc Cucurella was called out as a weak link for Spain coming into Euro 2024.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 15, 2024
▪️ 6/6 wins
▪️ Assisted the winner in the final
▪️ Standout LB at the tournament
Champion 🤫 pic.twitter.com/SyOabDVnWA
Interestingly, Cucurella topped one of the most-asked questions on Google: “Why do they boo Cucurella?” The question referred to an incident during Spain’s semi-final against France in Munich. German fans booed him throughout the match, upset over a controversial handball in the quarter-final against Germany.
During extra time of that game, Cucurella’s hand unintentionally blocked a German shot, but referee Anthony Taylor ruled it involuntary and did not award a penalty. Shortly after, Mikel Merino scored, sending Spain to the semi-finals. Frustrated German fans carried their anger into the next game, jeering Cucurella every time he touched the ball.
Despite the negativity, Cucurella brushed it off with grace. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he said, “At first, I was surprised because I didn’t understand it, but then I realized it was because of the handball. Honestly, if people spend money to boo me at a Euro semi-final, they could have given the ticket to someone who would’ve enjoyed the game more.”
Official: Chelsea have signed former La Masia graduate Marc Cucurella for €65m fixed + €8m in add-ons, making him the most expensive left-back in the history of football. pic.twitter.com/oWNMvVjnQa
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 5, 2022
Cucurella’s year has been filled with highs and lows, but he remains a fan favorite for his skill, charisma, and positive attitude. His name is sure to stay on everyone’s lips for seasons to come.