Real Madrid new signing Cucurella gets emotional after Spain win World Cup: ‘It’s not easy to get here’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid new signing Marc Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout performers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing a key role in the team’s triumph with consistently impressive displays at left-back.

Following Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final, during which he excelled once again, attention quickly turned to a promise the defender had made before the tournament: if La Roja won the World Cup, he would get a tattoo of head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Keeping his promise

Speaking to the media after the celebrations in New Jersey, Cucurella confirmed that he intends to keep his promise.

“I don’t know, I have to think about where to get it. People will ask me, it has to be somewhere visible. We have a long trip ahead and they’ll give me ideas. I’ll have to do it,” Cucurella said with a laugh, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The new Real Madrid defender defender laughed as he admitted there was no way out of the bet now that Spain had become world champions.

Cucurella was key to Spain’s World Cup triumph. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

An emotional journey

Reflecting on the achievement, Cucurella became emotional as he spoke about the challenges he faced throughout his career.

“It’s not easy to get here. It’s tough during your teenage years; you have to make decisions. Sometimes there are people who tell you you’re not good enough and that you won’t make it,” Cucurella said, almost tearing up.

“To all those people, I’d like to thank them for taking the time to give me their advice. Also to everyone who has helped me – we’ve both been stubborn. Today we’ve been rewarded for being here. It hasn’t been an easy summer for us, so we’re really happy.”

Spain’s dominant performance

Talking about the team’s performance Cucurella felt Spain deserved to lift the trophy after controlling the final against the defending champions.

“We already knew what to expect. They tried to play their own style of football, with a lot of intensity. The team was fully focused, didn’t get drawn into a mind game, and we deserved the victory,” said Cucurella.

“We were playing against the reigning champions and we dominated the match,” he emphasised.

The left-back also praised Spain’s evolution throughout the tournament.

“It’s incredible. From the very first day we arrived, we tried to play our own style. We started off a bit slowly, but we kept improving and ended up playing some incredible football. We dominated France and Argentina and didn’t concede a single goal.”

Defence was the key

Spain finished the tournament having conceded just one goal, setting a new defensive benchmark for a World Cup-winning side.

World champion. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

For Cucurella, that achievement reflected the collective effort of the entire squad, as he said:

“When you don’t concede, it’s much easier to win. We’ve all been doing an incredible job. Take the way Oyarzabal pressed, for example. It’s a team effort. We attack and defend together. That’s the key.”

Cucurella then acknowledged that they were still coming to terms with being champions

“We haven’t had much time. We’re looking forward to getting back to Spain, where there are lots of people who haven’t been able to come, and we’re keen to celebrate with all our fans. We’d like to thank them for their support; we’ve felt right at home.”

Praise for Rodri

Before leaving for the airport, Cucurella also praised Rodri, who has been constantly linked with Real Madrid, and won the Golden Ball at the World Cup.

“He’s very important; sometimes it’s not about scoring or providing assists. He controls everything, organises the team – when we press, when we attack… he’s very important,” Cucurella said.

“Whenever we’re under pressure, he gives us the chance to play through him. He’s had an incredible tournament and deserves the award.”