Spain defender Marc Cucurella has honored one of the most unusual promises made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by unveiling a tattoo of head coach Luis de la Fuente after helping La Roja lift the trophy.The former Chelsea left-back, who recently completed a move to Real Madrid, promised during the tournament that he would get a permanent tattoo of De la Fuente’s image if Spain won the World Cup. Just nine days after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey, Cucurella revealed that he fulfilled that promise.
The promise made during the tournament came true
Cucurella first made the pledge early in Spain’s World Cup campaign, saying he would get a tattoo of De la Fuente if the team went on to become world champions.Spain finally realized that ambition on July 19, beating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive goal.On Tuesday, the 27-year-old shared photos of her new tattoo on Instagram, writing simply: “A promise kept.”The artwork, located on the underside of his left arm just above the elbow, depicts De la Fuente holding the FIFA World Cup trophy with the number “26”, commemorating the year Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title.
De la Fuente mocks his ‘mistake’ players
After Spain’s win over Argentina, De la Fuente was asked about Cucurella’s promise during his post-match press conference.The Spain manager responded with characteristic humour, suggesting his players may have committed themselves to something they would later regret.“I told them, ‘Did you make a mistake?’ said De la Fuente jokingly.“They did, but they’ll enjoy it.”The 65-year-old also laughed about where to put the tattoo.“I don’t hate it so much that they have to put it in a place where no one can see it. But it makes me laugh and I’m proud that they kept their promises.”When asked if he would celebrate Spain’s victory with his own tattoo, De la Fuente dismissed the idea.“I’m not old enough to get a tattoo,” he said with a smile. “No, not anymore.”
Cucurella wants to see the tribute
Before the final, Cucurella already explained that, if Spain wins the tournament, the tattoo will not be hidden.Asked after the victory when and where he planned to take it, the defender admitted that he had not decided on the design but insisted that it should be seen by the people.“I don’t know,” said Cucurella.“I haven’t decided yet, I have to think, I have to think about where to get it.“People will ask me about it too, so it should be seen everywhere.“But anyway, we have a long journey ahead of us now. I hope people will give me some ideas. I’ll think about it a lot and then it’s time to get it over with.”More than a week later, he delivered exactly as promised.
Another promise fulfilled
This is not the first time that Cucurella has publicly followed through on a promise after winning a major international tournament.Following Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory, the defender honored another pledge by dyeing his signature long curly hair bright red in celebration.His latest tribute continues that tradition, with the tattoo becoming a permanent reminder of Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign under De la Fuente.
Important role in Spain’s World Cup success
Cucurella was one of Spain’s outstanding performers throughout the tournament.The left-back started all eight matches in Spain as De la Fuente’s side went unbeaten in the title, producing one of the strongest defensive records at the tournament.Spain kept seven clean sheets during the competition, with Cucurella playing in every knockout match, including the extra-time win over Argentina in the final.The World Cup victory completes an important chapter in the defender’s career, which comes ahead of his summer move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.Away from the pitch, Cucurella also attracted attention during the tournament for carrying his wife’s pajama top as a personal lucky charm throughout Spain’s successful campaign.His latest tattoo now serves as a lasting tribute to the coach who guided Spain to world champions, fulfilling a promise made during the tournament and providing an unforgettable story from La Roja’s historic victory in the United States.