Marc Cucurella
Spanish footballer.
Marc Cucurella, born on July 22, 1998, in Alella, Spain, is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a left-back or left wing-back. His career began in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, where he honed his skills from 2012 to 2017. Cucurella made his senior debut with Barcelona B before moving to Eibar on loan in 2018, where he impressed with his dynamic play. This led to a permanent move to Getafe in 2019, where he became a key player, known for his energy and defensive contributions. In 2021, Cucurella joined Brighton in the Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite with his robust performances and tactical intelligence. His standout season at Brighton earned him the club's Player of the Season award and a high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2022 for a record fee.
At Chelsea, Cucurella continued to demonstrate his adaptability and work rate, contributing both defensively and offensively. Internationally, he has represented Spain at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2021. Cucurella's journey from La Masia to the Premier League highlights his growth as a player and his ability to adapt to different footballing environments.
Early life & youth football
Marc Cucurella's passion for football was evident from a young age. Growing up in Alella, near Barcelona, he began playing futsal with FS Alella, which helped develop his technical skills and quick decision-making. His talent was soon recognized by bigger clubs, leading to his move to Espanyol's youth teams in 2006. Cucurella's performances at Espanyol caught the attention of Barcelona, and in 2012, he joined their prestigious La Masia academy. At La Masia, Cucurella transitioned from a winger to a left-back, a position that would define his professional career. His time at Barcelona's academy was marked by rapid development, as he learned the tactical and technical aspects of the game under the guidance of top coaches.
Cucurella's dedication and work ethic were evident, and he quickly became one of the standout players in his age group, setting the stage for his future success in professional football.
Professional career
Marc Cucurella joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy in 2012, transitioning from Espanyol's youth setup. At La Masia, he developed his skills and versatility, initially playing as a winger before transitioning to a left-back role. His time at the academy was marked by rapid development, and he became a standout player among his peers. Cucurella made his senior debut with Barcelona B on November 26, 2016, in a 4-0 victory over L'Hospitalet in the Segunda División B.
During the 2016/17 season, he contributed to the team's promotion to the Segunda División, making 17 appearances. His performances earned him a contract renewal in July 2017, with a €12 million release clause.Cucurella made his first-team debut for Barcelona on October 24, 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 Copa del Rey win against Real Murcia. Despite this opportunity, Cucurella found first-team chances limited due to stiff competition from established players like Jordi Alba.
His desire for regular first-team football led to a loan move to Eibar in August 2018.Cucurella joined Eibar on a season-long loan with a €2 million buyout clause. He made his La Liga debut for Eibar on September 25, 2018, in a 1-0 loss to Espanyol. Despite the defeat, his performance was praised, and he quickly became a regular starter.
Cucurella's time at Eibar was marked by his dynamic play on the left flank, where he showcased his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He made 31 appearances in La Liga, scoring his first top-flight goal on the final day of the season against his parent club, Barcelona, in a 2-2 draw. His performances were instrumental in Eibar's solid mid-table finish, and the club was impressed enough to exercise the buyout clause, making his move permanent.However, Barcelona retained a buyback option and activated it on July 16, 2019, just 16 days after Eibar made the transfer permanent.
Cucurella was then loaned to Getafe with an option to buy, marking the next chapter in his career.Cucurella's debut season with Getafe was marked by consistent performances that highlighted his versatility and work ethic. He made his European debut on September 19, 2019, in a 1-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League. Throughout the Europa League campaign, Cucurella played in eight matches, helping Getafe reach the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Inter Milan.
Domestically, Cucurella was a regular starter, making 37 appearances across all competitions. His ability to play as both a left-back and a left midfielder provided tactical flexibility for Getafe. Cucurella's tenacity and energy on the left flank were crucial in both defensive and attacking phases. His performances were instrumental in Getafe's strong league campaign, where they finished eighth, narrowly missing out on European qualification.
On March 3, 2020, Getafe exercised their option to buy Cucurella for €6 million, severing his ties with Barcelona. This decision underscored his importance to the team and his impressive adaptation to their style of play.In his second season with Getafe, Cucurella continued to be a pivotal figure. He made 39 appearances in all competitions, maintaining his role as a versatile and reliable player on the left side.
Despite Getafe's struggles in the league, finishing 15th, Cucurella's individual performances remained consistent. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively made him one of the standout players in the squad.Cucurella's performances in La Liga did not go unnoticed, attracting interest from clubs across Europe. His high work rate, combined with his technical skills and tactical awareness, made him an appealing prospect for teams looking to strengthen their left flank.
During his time at Getafe, Cucurella developed into a more complete player, gaining valuable experience in Spain's top flight. His ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities on the pitch showcased his versatility and potential. This period was crucial in preparing him for the next step in his career, as he transitioned to the Premier League.In August 2021, Cucurella's consistent performances earned him a move to Brighton in the Premier League.
Brighton secured his services from Getafe for a fee of £15.4 million, activating his release clause. Cucurella signed a five-year contract, committing to the Seagulls until 2026. His arrival was part of Brighton's strategy to bolster their squad with versatile and dynamic players, and he became the club's third signing of the summer, following Enock Mwepu and Kjell Scherpen.
In his first season (2021/22) with Brighton, Cucurella made an immediate impact. His debut came on September 11, 2021, against Brentford, and he quickly established himself as a key player in Graham Potter's system. Cucurella's versatility allowed him to play as both a left-back and a wing-back, fitting seamlessly into Brighton's tactical setup. His defensive solidity, combined with his ability to support attacks, made him a crucial asset.
Cucurella's performances were consistently impressive throughout the season. He made 35 Premier League appearances, starting every match he was eligible for, and played all but 58 minutes of the campaign after joining. His contributions were not limited to defense; he also provided width and creativity in the attacking third, although he scored only one goal—a memorable strike in a 4-0 victory over Manchester United in May 2022.His standout performances earned him Brighton's Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, underscoring his influence and popularity within the squad.
Cucurella's success at Brighton did not go unnoticed, attracting interest from top clubs, and he was seen as a potential successor to established Spanish internationals like Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso.Cucurella's first season in the Premier League showcased his adaptability and skill, proving he could thrive in one of the world's most competitive leagues. His ability to balance defensive duties with offensive support made him a valuable player for Brighton and a rising star in European football. His time at Brighton set the stage for his subsequent high-profile transfer to Chelsea, where he continued to develop his career at the highest level.
Marc Cucurella's move to Chelsea was completed on August 5, 2022, in a high-profile transfer that saw him sign a six-year contract with the London club. The transfer fee was reported to be an initial £55 million, potentially rising to £62 million with add-ons, making it a record fee received by Brighton. This move came after Cucurella's impressive performances for Brighton in the 2021/22 season, where he won both the club's Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards.Cucurella made his Chelsea debut on August 6, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 away win against Everton in the Premier League.
His first season at Chelsea was challenging, as the club underwent significant changes both on and off the field. Despite the team's struggles, Cucurella showed flashes of his quality, particularly in European competitions.A highlight of his season came on March 7, 2023, when he was named Player of the Match in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg match against Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea won the match 2-0, securing qualification to the quarter-finals.
This performance demonstrated Cucurella's ability to perform at the highest level in crucial matches.Cucurella's second season at Chelsea saw him continue to establish himself as a key player in the squad. He scored his first goal for the club on March 17, 2024, netting the opener in a 4-2 victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals. This goal was a significant moment for Cucurella, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.
Throughout the season, Cucurella's versatility proved valuable for Chelsea. He featured as a left-back, left wing-back, and occasionally as part of a back three, demonstrating his tactical flexibility and importance to the team's defensive structure.His performances at club level earned him a place in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2024. Cucurella played a crucial role in Spain's successful campaign, starting in the opening match against Croatia and providing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's winning goal in the final against England.
Spain's 2-1 victory secured the European championship, and Cucurella's outstanding performances throughout the tournament saw him named in the Team of the Tournament.
National team
Cucurella's youth international career began with Spain's U16 team, where he first showcased his potential on the international stage. He progressed through the ranks, representing Spain at U17, U19, and U21 levels. Cucurella was part of the Spain U19 squad that won the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, a significant achievement that highlighted his talent and promise. His performances at youth level were characterized by his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to attacking play, traits that made him a valuable asset to his teams.
In 2019, Cucurella was called up to the Spain U21 squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he played a key role in the team's journey to the final, ultimately finishing as runners-up. His consistent performances at youth international level earned him recognition as one of Spain's most promising young defenders, paving the way for his eventual call-up to the senior national team.Marc Cucurella's senior international career began in June 2021 when he was called up to Spain's senior squad for a friendly against Lithuania. Due to COVID-19 protocols affecting the senior team, Spain fielded their U21 side, and Cucurella captained the team to a 4-0 victory, marking his senior debut. His performances at the club level, particularly with Brighton, kept him in contention for further call-ups. Cucurella was included in Spain's squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a silver medal.
Marc Cucurella played as a left-back during Spain's successful Euro 2024 tournament campaign. He started all six matches for the national team, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to contribute to the attack. His performances were instrumental in Spain's journey to the final, where they triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory. Cucurella's standout moment came in the final, where he provided the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's winning goal, solidifying his impact on the tournament.
His combination play down the left flank, particularly with teammate Nico Williams, was a highlight of Spain's attacking strategy
Player’s style
Marc Cucurella is known for his versatility, energy, and tactical intelligence on the field. Primarily a left-back, he can also operate as a left wing-back or even in midfield, showcasing his adaptability. Cucurella's style of play is characterized by his relentless work rate and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Defensively, he is tenacious and disciplined, with a keen sense of positioning that allows him to intercept passes and make crucial tackles.
Offensively, Cucurella is adept at supporting attacks, providing width, and delivering accurate crosses into the box. His technical skills, honed during his futsal and La Masia days, enable him to maintain possession under pressure and contribute to build-up play. Cucurella's dynamic presence on the field and his trademark curly hair make him a distinctive figure, both in appearance and playing style, earning him admiration from fans and teammates alike.