Why Does Everyone Hate Marc Cucurella? Struggles & Revelations About his Life Off the Pitch

Why Does Everyone Hate Marc Cucurella? Struggles & Revelations About his Life Off the Pitch

Marc Cucurella is a name not many can get off their lips at the moment. Beginning life at La Masia, Barcelona's academy, the Spaniard spent time at Getafe before moving to Brighton. As is the case with many who move to the south coast, Cucurella completed a transfer to Chelsea in the summer window of 2022.

Since his move, his career has taken off to new heights. The first name on the Spain team sheet in every game, he lifted Euro 2024, while he has also held the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup aloft with Chelsea.

However, many have come to treat Cucurella like marmite, loving or hating him. Not many are aware of the personal struggles in his life, and what it took for him to reach this level of appraisal. Today we will be taking a look at the rise of Cucurella, his personal struggles in life, and why he is rightfully regarded as one of the best left-backs in the league, and potentially the world.

From the Amex to Stamford Bridge: The Lifechanging Switch

Marc Cucurella became one of the headline arrivals of Chelsea's new era under Todd Boehly, joining the club for a hefty £56 million at just 24 years old. However, his debut season at Stamford Bridge was anything but smooth sailing. Amid the chaos of two managerial sackings in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, Chelsea endured a dismal season, finishing 12th in the Premier League, and Cucurella was berated by his own fans for a string of poor performances.

Marc Cucurella to Chelsea, here we go! Full agreement in place between Chelsea and Brighton for more than £50m. Levi Colwill on the verge of joining Brighton soon. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Personal terms already agreed, no way for Man City. Cucurella will become Chelsea new signing, done. pic.twitter.com/5Rw6CvDT1l

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2022

For Cucurella, the season was not only tough on the pitch, but off it too. Shortly after signing for Chelsea, things took a turn in Cucurella's personal life, as his 4-year-old son, Mateo, was diagnosed with autism. Cucurella opened up about the struggles of this in the Amazon Prime series, "Married to The Game".

Marc Cucurella & Claudia Rodriguez share their story about their son Mateo, who has autism 💙 https://t.co/F7zEIBLVMs

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) May 1, 2025

Away from the pitch, Marc Cucurella and his family were facing one of the toughest battles of their lives. The player and his wife opened up about how difficult this period was for them, with it all unfolding in his first season at the club. His wife was pregnant when Mateo received the diagnosis, and the emotional strain was enormous. While he tried to give his all for Chelsea and put his personal life to one side, the weight of worry and sleepless nights at home undoubtably took its toll. His performances reflected a man who carried far more than the pressure of playing in the Premier League, but also exemplified a father struggling to stay strong through his family's heartbreak.

This is a stark reminder of how easy it is for us football fans to judge what we see in 90 minutes without knowing the full story. After a poor first season, Cucurella was quickly labelled a "flop" by Chelsea fans and football fans alike, completely unaware of the pain and mental burdens he was enduring away from the pitch.

The Resurgence at Chelsea

As time passed and his son began to receive the help he needed, things started to become more normal for Marc as he was able to fight his way back into the Chelsea side, shrugging off injuries and mental setbacks.

Around the March 2023 period, Chelsea were again in a dire league position. Coached by Mauricio Pochettino at the time, Cucurella found his way back into the side after Ben Chilwell suffered an injury setback. The reintegration of Cucurella was monumental. Instantly, the defence looked sharper, and Pochettino began to adopt a style of play that incorporated inverted fullbacks, which is a role the Spaniard excels in. Cucurella went from being a makeshift right-back due to injuries at Chelsea, to flourishing in his preferred role on the left.

🔵 Pochettino: "Credits to Marc Cucurella. He deserves that, really".

"He is training super well, he played very well against a very good player like Saka. He is working really hard and remember: he was able to play on the right side". pic.twitter.com/d9S6BYPArA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 22, 2023

Chelsea managed to claw themselves back up the table, and secured a spot in the Europa Conference League for the 2024/25 season. This wouldn't be enough for Pochettino to keep his job however, as he was sacked in the summer and replaced by Enzo Maresca.

However, the season wasn't quite over for Marc Cucurella, who became a late addition to the Spain squad for Euro 2024, owing to his fantastic form. The Euros campaign didn't come without controversy for Cucurella however, with the player making an alleged handball in the game against Germany which saw Spain defeat the hosts. To this day, the Germans have not forgotten this.

UEFA Referees Committee has now admitted that a penalty should have been awarded to Germany against Spain following Marc Cucurella's handball. The committee has informed the international referees that there was an error in that play and it should have ended in a penalty. The… pic.twitter.com/bDQoTEhHHs

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) September 23, 2024

Nonetheless, the player started every game for Spain in the tournament and helped the side lift the trophy for the first time since 2012. A true bounceback for Cucurella saw him earn his place in the offical Team of the Tournament,

Marc Cucurella was called out as a weak link for Spain coming into Euro 2024.

▪️ 6/6 wins
▪️ Assisted the winner in the final
▪️ Standout LB at the tournament

Champion 🤫 pic.twitter.com/SyOabDVnWA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 15, 2024

The Cucu-renaissance

What a comeback - But is it over? Not by a long stretch.

Under Enzo Maresca, Marc Cucurella continued his fine form and was firmly cemented as the club's first choice leftback. Loved by the fans, every week saw Cucurella's performances get stronger, and Chelsea were back in the top 4. At one point in the season, the side were even title contenders.

The most crucial moment for Cucurella's season was his goal against Manchester United, in which he arrived late in the box to head the ball into the back of the net. This win was huge for Chelsea as it immensely bolstered their Champions League charge.

Back to when we absolutely cooked United, the Reece James turn and cross and the Cucurella header, beautiful. Enzo Maresca ball pic.twitter.com/aWK8hcOuP4

— CFCDatro (@CFCDatro) August 26, 2025

Chelsea finished the season in 4th position, back in the Champions League for the first time in 3 seasons. Furthermore, the side lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy, becoming the first side to win every European competition. This wasn't the end for Chelsea or Cucurella this season however, as the side travelled to the USA for the reinvigorated FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea were relentless in this tournament and went on to defeat the European Champions PSG 3-0 in the final. Cucurella's performances were again hailed by many.

The best left back of the Club World Cup:

N̶u̶n̶o̶ ̶M̶e̶n̶d̶e̶s

MARC CUCURELLA! 🇪🇸🌟 pic.twitter.com/dJdHJVoy3b

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 14, 2025

From Berated to Beloved: Where does Cucurella Sit Now?

It has been a rollercoaster for Chelsea and Cucurella in recent years. Turning his life around in more ways than one, Cucurella has cemented himself into Chelsea and Spanish folklore as a cult hero, and maybe even more in the future. The Chelsea faithful sing his name in high regard, "he drinks Estrella, he eats Paella, his hair is massive", is just one of the cheerful chants they sing about their left-back. Cucurella's iconic "penguin" celebration has also become synonymous with football fanatics worldwide. A genuinely likeable guy, some people still have a distaste towards him - (Author's note: They're jealous because they don't have him).

Marc Cucurella teases his goal celebration and it’s got a penguin twist 🐧👀 pic.twitter.com/UoNPyJRhuR

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 4, 2025

Often laughed at for his hairstyle, this has led to him receiving some unwarranted criticism, and also some unwarranted fouls. In the past, Cucurella has been denied of penalties and free-kicks due to the opposition tugging at his luscious locks. They're just jealous, Cucu!

Cucurella dragged to the ground by his hair… after a VAR check, no foul. pic.twitter.com/yDZvlL72LO

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) August 14, 2022

As of right now, many debate whether Cucurella is the best left-back in the Premier League, and arguably in the world. It would be hard to deny this claim, as the player is not only an astute defender, but he is also capable of adding goals and assists to his name owing to the advanced role he plays under Maresca.

Perhaps one may claim that he is only considered the best due to his role in the side, and he is in fact "overrated". However, when playing for Spain, Cucurella adopts a more traditional left-back role and still excels.

When considering the calibre of fullbacks in the Premier League currently, we are somewhat blessed. When considering who is the best? One may be praised for saying it's Marc Cucurella.