Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has made good on one of the most unusual promises made during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unveiling a tattoo of head coach Luis de la Fuente after helping Spain lift the trophy.The former Chelsea left-back, who recently moved to Real Madrid, vowed during the match that he would have a permanent tattoo of De la Fuente’s likeness if Spain won the World Cup. Just nine days after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time in New Jersey, Cucurella revealed he had delivered on that promise.
Promises made during the competition come true
Cucurella made such a promise early in the World Cup in Spain, saying he would get a tattoo of De la Fuente if Spain ended up winning the world title.On July 19, Spain finally achieved this goal, defeating the defending champion Argentina 1-0 in overtime at MetLife Stadium with Ferran Torres’ decisive goal.The 27-year-old shared a photo of his new tattoo on Instagram on Tuesday, writing simply: “Keep your word.”The artwork, located on the lower side of his left arm just above the elbow, depicts De La Fuente holding the FIFA World Cup trophy along with the number “26” to commemorate Spain’s second men’s World Cup title.
De la Fuente jokes his players ‘made a mistake’
After Spain’s win over Argentina, De la Fuente was asked about Cucurella’s commitment at the post-match press conference.The Spanish manager responded with characteristic humour, suggesting his players may have done something they would later regret.“I’ve told them, ‘Did you make a mistake?'” De La Fuente joked.“They do it, but they’re going to love it.”The 65-year-old also teased where the tattoo should be placed.“I’m not so ugly that they need to put it somewhere no one can see it. But it made me smile and I’m proud that they kept their promise.”When asked if he would commemorate Spain’s victory with a tattoo, De La Fuente dismissed the idea.“I’m not old enough to get a tattoo yet,” he said with a laugh. “No, not anymore.”
Cucurella hopes people will see the tribute
Before the final, Cucurella had already explained that if Spain won the tournament, the tattoo would not be hidden.Asked after the win when and where he planned to get it, the defender admitted he had yet to decide on the design but insisted it needed to be somewhere people could see it.“I don’t know,” Cucurella said.“I haven’t decided yet. I need to think about it, I need to think about where to get it from.“People ask me that too, so it has to be visible somewhere.“But anyway, we still have a long way to go now. I hope people can give me some ideas. I’ll think about it and then it’s time to get it done. “Just over a week later, he delivered exactly as promised.
Another promise fulfilled
This isn’t the first time Cucurella has publicly delivered on a promise after winning a major international tournament.The defender made good on another promise after Spain won Euro 2024, dyeing his trademark long curly hair bright red in celebration.His latest tribute continues that tradition, with the tattoo a permanent reminder of Spain’s World Cup win under de la Fuente.
Indispensable role in Spain’s World Cup success
Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout players throughout the match.The left-back started all eight of Spain’s games as De La Fuente’s side went on to win the title unbeaten, posting one of the strongest defensive records of the tournament.Spain kept seven clean sheets in the competition and Cucurella played in every knockout match, including the overtime victory over Argentina in the final.The World Cup win completed another landmark chapter in the defender’s career, which came shortly before his summer move to Real Madrid from Chelsea.Away from the pitch, Cucurella also attracted attention during matches as he carried his wife’s pajamas with him as a personal good luck charm during Spain’s successful season.Now, his latest tattoo serves as a permanent tribute to the coach who led Spain to the world title, fulfilling a promise made during the tournament and providing another memorable story in La Roja’s historic victory in the United States.
