Full Name: Marc Cucurella Saseta
Date of Birth: 22 July 1998
Place of Birth: Alella, Spain
Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s): Left-back, Left Wing-Back
Current Club: Chelsea
Jersey Number: 3
Yes, you can say that. Here's your revised sentence: Marc Cucurella Saseta, born on July 22, 1998, in Alella, Barcelona, Catalonia, is still crafting his narrative in professional football at Chelsea. While the Spaniard may not be everyone's cup of tea, he is a marshal with the characteristics of a person who never wavers in the face of setbacks.
Known for his versatility as a left-back or left wing-back, Cucurella's journey from youth football to the Premier League and international stage is filled with notable milestones and achievements. Here, we explore some of the most interesting career facts about this talented Spanish footballer.
1. Early Beginnings and Youth Career
Marc Cucurella's passion for football was evident from a young age. He began playing futsal with FS Alella before joining Espanyol's youth teams in 2006. His talent quickly caught the eye of bigger clubs, and in 2012, he moved to Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. This move marked the beginning of his professional journey, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young player.
2. Rise Through Barcelona's Ranks
Cucurella made his senior debut with Barcelona B on November 26, 2016, in a 4-0 home win over L'Hospitalet in the Segunda División B. His performances were impressive, contributing to the team's promotion to the Segunda División. Despite being primarily part of the reserve team, Cucurella made his first-team debut on October 24, 2017, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 Copa del Rey victory against Real Murcia.
3. Loan to Eibar and Breakthrough Season
In August 2018, Cucurella was loaned to La Liga club SD Eibar, where he gained valuable first-team experience. He made his top-flight debut on September 25, 2018, in a match against Espanyol. His performances throughout the season earned him praise, and he scored his first La Liga goal on the final day of the season against his parent club, Barcelona. Eibar exercised the option to make his move permanent in 2019, only for Barcelona to buy him back and then loan him out again, this time to Getafe.
4. Permanent Move to Getafe and European Debut
Cucurella joined Getafe on loan in July 2019, with an option to make the deal permanent. He made his European debut on September 19, 2019, in a 1-0 home win against Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League. His performances were instrumental in Getafe's solid campaign, and the club activated their option to buy him outright in March 2020.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion and Premier League Success
Cucurella's consistent performances in La Liga caught the attention of Premier League clubs, and on August 31, 2021, he signed a five-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his debut for Brighton on September 11, 2021, in a 1-0 win over Brentford. Cucurella quickly adapted to the Premier League, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
He scored his first goal for the club on May 7, 2022, in a 4-0 victory over Manchester United. His outstanding performances throughout the season earned him both the Players' Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards at Brighton.
6. Record Transfer to Chelsea
Cucurella's success at Brighton paved the way for a big move, and on August 5, 2022, he signed for Chelsea on a six-year contract. 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. He made his debut for Chelsea the following day in a 1-0 win against Everton.
Cucurella continued to impress, earning the Player of the Match award in a Champions League round-of-16 second-leg match against Borussia Dortmund on March 7, 2023. He also scored his first goal for Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final match against Leicester City on March 17, 2024.
7. International Career and Olympic Success
Cucurella has represented Spain at various youth levels, from under-16 to under-23. He was part of the Spain under-23 team that won the silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His performances at the youth level earned him a call-up to the senior Spain squad in November 2020 for UEFA Nations League games. He made his senior debut on June 8, 2021, captaining Spain's under-21 squad in a friendly against Lithuania due to the isolation of some senior players following a positive COVID-19 test in the camp.
8. UEFA Euro 2024 and Team of the Tournament
In June 2024, Cucurella was named in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. He made his competitive debut in the team's opening match, starting at left-back as Spain defeated Croatia 3-0.
His performances throughout the tournament were outstanding, culminating in providing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's winning goal in the final against England. Spain's 2-1 victory secured their European championship, and Cucurella was named in the Team of the Tournament for his exceptional contributions.
9. Personal Life and Early Influences
Marc Cucurella's journey is not just about his professional achievements but also about his personal background. Born to parents who supported his passion for football, Cucurella's early influences included his family and coaches, who recognised his talent and dedication. His long, curly hair has become his trademark look, a style he embraced from a young age and maintained throughout his career.
From his early days in futsal to his rise through the ranks at Barcelona and his successful stints at Eibar, Getafe, Brighton, Chelsea and contributions to the Spanish national team, Cucurella has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt, battle hard and excel. His journey reflects the importance of perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunities when they arise.
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