Spain defender Marc Cucurella has honoured one of the most unusual promises made during 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, had vowed during the tournament that he would permanently tattoo an image of De la Fuente if Spain won the World Cup. Just nine days after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey, Cucurella revealed he had fulfilled that promise.
Promise made during the tournament becomes reality
Cucurella first made the pledge in the early stages of 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 ultimately fulfilled that ambition on July 19, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive goal.On Tuesday, the 27-year-old shared photographs of his new tattoo on Instagram, simply writing: “A promise kept.”The artwork, positioned on the underside of his left arm just above the elbow, depicts De la Fuente holding the FIFA World Cup trophy alongside the number “26”, commemorating the year Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title.
De la Fuente joked his players ‘made a mistake’
Following Spain’s triumph over Argentina, De la Fuente was asked about Cucurella’s pledge during his post-match press conference.The Spain manager responded with characteristic humour, suggesting his players might have committed themselves to something they would later regret.“I’ve already told them, ‘Did you make a mistake?'” De la Fuente joked.“They did, but they’ll enjoy it.”The 65-year-old also laughed about where the tattoo should be placed.“I’m not so terribly ugly that they will need to put it somewhere nobody can see it. But it makes me laugh and I am proud they keep their promises.”When asked whether he would commemorate Spain’s triumph with a tattoo of his own, De la Fuente dismissed the idea.“I’m not at the age to get tattoos,” he said with a smile. “No, not any more.”
Cucurella wanted the tribute to be visible
Before the final, Cucurella had already explained that, should Spain win the tournament, the tattoo would not be hidden.Asked after the victory when and where he planned to get it, the defender admitted he had not yet decided on the design but insisted it needed to be somewhere people could see.“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.“People will ask me about it too, so it has to be somewhere visible.“But anyway, we’ve got a long journey ahead of us now. I hope people will give me some ideas. I’ll think it over and then it will be time to get it done.”Just over a week later, he delivered exactly as promised.
Another promise fulfilled
This is not the first time Cucurella has publicly followed through on a pledge after winning a major international tournament.Following Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, the defender honoured another promise by dyeing his trademark 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.
Integral role in Spain’s World Cup success
Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout performers throughout the tournament.The left-back started all eight of Spain’s matches as De la Fuente’s side progressed unbeaten to the title, producing one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records.Spain kept seven clean sheets during the competition, with Cucurella playing every knockout match, including the extra-time victory over Argentina in the final.The World Cup triumph completed another landmark chapter in the defender’s career, coming shortly before his summer move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.Away from the pitch, Cucurella also attracted attention during the tournament for carrying his wife’s pyjama 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 another memorable story from La Roja’s historic victory in the United States.
