After World Cup Victory, Spanish Defender Fulfills Bold Promise by Tattooing Manager's Face on Arm

Trophy-Holding Pose Tattooed on His Left Arm
Unique Good Luck Charm Also Gains Attention in Spain

Marc Cucurella, the 28-year-old Spanish national team defender who plays for Real Madrid, fulfilled his promise to get a tattoo of the national team manager's face if Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North and Central America.

On the 29th, Yonhap News reported that Cucurella posted on his social media (SNS) a new tattoo accompanied by the phrase "Promesa cumplida," which means "promise kept" in Spanish. He also uploaded a short video showing the tattooing process.

On the 29th, Kukureya revealed a new tattoo on his social media (SNS) with the Spanish phrase "Promesa cumplida," meaning "Promise kept." Kukureya Instagram

On Cucurella's left arm is a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente, Spain's national team manager, dressed in a suit and holding the World Cup trophy. The tattoo also features the logo representing the 2026 World Cup in the background. According to Spanish media outlet Cadena SER, the work was done by renowned tattoo artist Joaquin Ganga.

Earlier, during the tournament, Cucurella promised that if Spain won the World Cup, he would have Manager de la Fuente's face tattooed on his body. On July 20, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final. This marked Spain's second World Cup victory, coming 16 years after the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Manager de la Fuente responded to Cucurella's pledge immediately after the final, saying, "Our players are people who keep their promises," and expressed his anticipation for the tattoo. He jokingly added, "My face isn't that ugly after all." The post revealing the tattoo drew responses from stars across football and sports. Spain teammate Mikel Merino commented, "This is historic," while tennis star Carlos Alcaraz applauded, calling it "impressive."

Cucurella started in all eight matches Spain played in this World Cup. Spain achieved a perfect record, with seven wins and one draw, and went undefeated to claim the championship. The team also kept clean sheets in seven out of eight matches, demonstrating overwhelming defensive prowess. Cucurella's unique approach to winning also drew attention; he brought along the pajama top worn by his wife during the UEFA Euro 2024 as a lucky charm, and shared that he also carried keychains made by his children.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.