MADRID – Spain’s FIFA World Cup-winning defender Marc Cucurella has revealed the touching reason behind his trademark long curly hair — a decision inspired by his eldest son, Mateo, who is autistic.
Marc Cucurella’s distinctive hairstyle has become one of his defining features on the football pitch during recent FIFA World Cup 2026.
However, according to media reports, it is far more than a fashion statement. The Spanish defender deliberately keeps his hair long and leaves it untied during matches so that his son can easily recognise him from the stands.
The simple gesture has become a powerful symbol of the footballer’s love and commitment as a father.
Following Spain’s historic FIFA World Cup triumph over Argentina, Cucurella’s emotional story has once again captured the attention of football fans around the world.
Reports also highlight the challenges Cucurella and his partner, Claudia Rodríguez, faced after their son was diagnosed with autism. In an Amazon Prime documentary, Rodríguez recalled the emotional journey the family endured after noticing that Mateo, born four years ago, was developing differently from other children.
“We would drop him off at school every day and cry on the way back,” she said, adding that she was also expecting their second child, Rio, during that difficult period.
Cucurella admitted that coming to terms with his son’s diagnosis was not easy.
“When you learn your child is autistic, no parent is ever truly prepared,” he said. “We had to learn so much. I wish I had nothing, not even a single rupee, if it meant my son could be completely healthy.”
Cucurella and Rodríguez, who have been together since 2018, are parents to three children — Mateo, Rio and Bella.
Spain recently secured their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final.
