It is not common for a Real Madrid footballer to give interviews to La Vanguardia, but the World Cup final has aligned the stars, creating the perfect setting. Before playing the most important match of his career, Marc Cucurella (Alella, 1998) arrives very punctually for his appointment. He seems a bit wary at first but soon realizes he is not on the firing squad and flashes his first smiles. He is approachable and kind. And he does not hide from anything.
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When you were taking your first steps at La Masia, did you ever imagine playing in a World Cup final?
Well no, honestly. Not even in my wildest dreams. I started playing because I liked it, without any goal or final mark, and little by little we have been going through stages. Now we have a very beautiful opportunity and we will try to give everything to win and lift that trophy.
And how are you handling it? Have you already assimilated that you are going to play in a World Cup final?
Not much. There are times I think about it and times I don’t, because our day-to-day is very similar to the other days we have spent here concentrated. But I know it is special, family is coming, and we know it is something very important.
Are there special nerves in the locker room?
For now, I don’t think so. I suppose with the warm-up, and on the day of the match, it will be special, but I see people very calm, as if it were just another week. We know it is an important match, but if we are at our level we can play a great game.
What virtue would you highlight about the national team above the others that has brought you here?
Unity, above all. It has been seen that whoever comes off the bench performs the same. We all have the same goal, to win, and we know that being here is already a reward: whoever has to play, plays, and the others cheer. We are like a family and do everything for each other.
The match against Argentina
“I think I still haven’t assimilated that I’m going to play a World Cup final, there are times I think about it and others I don’t”
It seems like everything De la Fuente does turns out well, is he really such a good coach?
His numbers prove it. He has made a very good group. He is lucky to coach Spain, which also has a lot of quality, but he has also hit the perfect notes and created a very good human group, something very important because we spend a lot of time together here in the United States.
The human group has been mentioned a lot during the World Cup. De la Fuente works hard to foster it, right?
Yes. I have known him for a long time and I think that, when in doubt, he rewards being a good person more than having more talent, because talent alone is not enough. We spend a lot of time together, without seeing our families, and with good people everything flows better and is much easier.
You debuted almost a century ago with Barça, when Messi was already almost a veteran, and now you face him again. What feeling does that give you?
Incredible, the twists life takes. It is said it could be his last match with the national team. I grew up watching him play and it is very beautiful, it is perhaps one of the most anticipated matches. It could have happened with the Finalissima, which could not be played, and now fate has put this match in front of us, very eager to enjoy it and give the last push.
Leo likes to drop a bit to the right wing…
I know, I know. We will have to work. He has a lot of talent, so we will all try to minimize it, keep him away from the area and take the ball away from him. The two teams that have reached the final are because they are the best, and hopefully we win it.
You trained with Messi at Barça, have you already imagined a one-on-one against him?
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Yes, I trained with him, but it was very different: I was very young and he was already a star. I have also had the opportunity to play with him, not much, but I think many would have chosen this final, and I am happy to enjoy the match, which is what this moment deserves.
Real Madrid
“When I found out about their interest it was a shock, I didn’t expect it, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up”
Argentina stands out for being a team with a lot of heart, that makes them a very dangerous team until the end…
Yes, they have that grit that all Argentines carry inside, they play for their country and have a lot of feeling. It will be a complicated match, also very intense, so we will try to minimize their strengths and play our football.
Several players have changed teams during the World Cup. From the outside it was said it could affect, but it is clear it hasn’t: you are in the final.
No, I don’t think it has affected. Everyone has their life outside here; the national team deserves respect and concentration, but what doesn’t influence doesn’t matter. One thing is your personal life and clubs, and another is the national team, and the teammates understand that.
And what went through your mind when they told you Madrid wanted you?
At first I didn’t believe it. I had just gotten up and I was in shock. These are opportunities life gives you, and in this case it couldn’t be refused. It is a good moment for me, and I am very eager to start already.
Is there some vindication in returning to Spain, to a big club, and saying “I’m worth it”?
A little yes. It’s like reaching the top. I had to find my way differently, start in humbler teams and climb step by step, and now I play for Real Madrid, the team with the most Champions. It is the reward for all the work of these years.
Looking back, how do you see your career? It seems like a roller coaster…
Totally. Everything is about adapting depending on how you take situations. When I was loaned to Eibar I could have seen it as they didn’t trust me, but I took it as a good experience, because I knew I was going to play in the First Division. I didn’t play the first matches, but I was happy, and with work and correct decisions I have reached this final.
There must be a lot of Barça fans in your family…
Yes, almost all, but that has nothing to do with it. Having a relative in Madrid is not easy, but I’m sure they won’t have any problem and will support me to the fullest, both me and Madrid.
Tell the truth, did you receive many jokes from your Barça friends when the signing was announced?
Many didn’t believe it at first, because it didn’t come out in many places, and many people were shocked. But the people who love you know it is a very big step, something that few would have imagined viable as a child. I am very happy with everything that is happening to me.
The good atmosphere
“When in doubt, De la Fuente puts good people before talent”
You promised to tattoo De la Fuente’s face if you win the World Cup. That sounds like you don’t want to cut your hair…
Totally, I had no other option, I had to find something similar to the hair thing. It will remain as an experience if everything goes well. Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it, but all for that.
To finish, a prediction for Sunday.
As long as we win, whatever. I’m going to tell you something: I don’t know, honestly. As long as we win, any result is fine with me.
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Also read
Check here all the results of the 2026 Football World Cup.
