Brief Introduction of Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)
Marc Cucurella Saseta is a Spanish professional footballer renowned for his versatility as a left-back or left wing-back. Currently playing for Premier League club Chelsea and the Spain national team, he is celebrated for his high work rate, defensive tenacity, and attacking contributions. Born in Alella, Spain, Cucurella began his footballing journey at Espanyol’s youth academy before moving to the famed La Masia of FC Barcelona. While he made his senior debut with Barcelona’s reserve team, he truly made a name for himself in La Liga with impressive spells at Eibar and Getafe. His success in Spain led to a move to the Premier League, first with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he won the Player of the Season award, and subsequently a high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2022. Internationally, he has represented Spain at multiple youth levels, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics, and was a key member of the senior team that triumphed at UEFA Euro 2024.
Cucurella (Marc Cucurella) Overview
| Full Name | Marc Cucurella Saseta |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Alella, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Juan Cucurella (Father), Maria Saseta (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Claudia Rodriguez |
| Net Worth | Approximately £28 million |
Early Life and Education of Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)
Marc Cucurella Saseta was born on July 22, 1998, in the small town of Alella, in the province of Barcelona, Spain. His passion for football ignited at a very young age, starting with futsal at FS Alella when he was just four years old. His father, Oscar Cucurella, played a significant role in his early career, taking him for a trial at RCD Espanyol’s academy in 2006. Cucurella spent six years honing his skills with Espanyol’s youth teams. His talent did not go unnoticed, and in 2012, at the age of fourteen, he was scouted by FC Barcelona’s Guillermo Amor and Albert Puig and subsequently joined the prestigious La Masia youth academy. This move was a pivotal step in his development, exposing him to a world-class footballing education that emphasizes technical skill and tactical intelligence. He progressed through the ranks at Barcelona, from the U14 level to the U19s, before eventually making his way to the senior setup. Information regarding his formal academic education beyond his footballing commitments is not publicly available.
Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)’s Career
Cucurella’s professional career began with Barcelona’s reserve team, Barcelona B, where he made his senior debut in 2016. He became a key player for the B team, contributing to their promotion to the Segunda División. His official first-team debut for Barcelona came on October 24, 2017, in a Copa del Rey match against Real Murcia, where he came on as a substitute for Lucas Digne. However, with stiff competition for the left-back position, his opportunities with the senior squad were limited to that single appearance.
To gain more first-team experience, Cucurella was loaned to fellow La Liga club SD Eibar for the 2018–19 season. At Eibar, under coach José Luis Mendilíbar, he was often deployed in a more advanced role as a left midfielder, showcasing his versatility and attacking capabilities. He made 31 league appearances, scoring his first La Liga goal against his parent club, Barcelona, on the final day of the season. Eibar exercised their option to buy him, but Barcelona swiftly activated a €4 million buy-back clause.
For the 2019–20 season, Cucurella was loaned to another La Liga side, Getafe CF, with an option to buy. He thrived under José Bordalás’s system, becoming an integral part of the team. He made his European debut in the UEFA Europa League and was a consistent performer in the league. In March 2020, Getafe triggered his €6 million option to buy, and he officially signed a permanent deal that June. He continued to impress at Getafe, playing over 100 La Liga games across his time with both Eibar and Getafe.
His stellar performances in Spain attracted interest from the Premier League, and on August 31, 2021, Cucurella signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on a five-year contract for a fee of around €18 million. He adapted seamlessly to the demands of English football, becoming a fan favourite for his energetic displays. In his single season with the Seagulls, he made 35 league appearances, all of them starts, and was named both the Players’ Player of the Season and the club’s Player of the Season for the 2021–22 campaign.
Cucurella’s remarkable season at Brighton led to a significant transfer to Chelsea on August 5, 2022, for a reported initial fee of £56 million, potentially rising to £63 million, a record fee for Brighton. He signed a six-year contract with the London club. His time at Chelsea has seen him become a regular fixture in the side, contributing both defensively and offensively. He has since won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the team in 2025.
On the international stage, Cucurella has represented Spain across numerous youth levels, from U16 to U23. A significant highlight of his youth career was winning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He made his senior debut for Spain on June 8, 2021, captaining the U21 squad that stepped in for the senior team in a friendly against Lithuania. He became a vital part of the national team during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, where his defensive solidity and key contributions, including an assist for the winning goal in the final, helped Spain secure the championship. His performance earned him a place in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament.
Cucurella (Marc Cucurella) Personal Life & Family
Marc Cucurella is in a long-term relationship with Claudia Rodriguez, a communications specialist and entrepreneur. The couple has been together since 2018, having met when Cucurella was still playing for Barcelona’s youth teams. While they are not officially married, they have built a family together. They have three children: two sons, Mateo (born in October 2019) and Rio (born in August 2021), and a daughter, Bella (born in February 2023). The family is often seen supporting him from the stands during his matches for both club and country. Recently, Claudia has spoken publicly about their journey with their eldest son, Mateo, who has been diagnosed with autism, sharing their experiences in the documentary series Married to the Game to raise awareness. Cucurella’s parents are Juan Cucurella and Maria Saseta, who have been supportive pillars throughout his football career.
Awards and Achievements of Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)
- UEFA European Championship: 2024
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2025
- UEFA Conference League: 2024–25
- Copa del Rey: 2017–18
- Olympic Silver Medal: 2020
- Brighton & Hove Albion Player of the Season: 2021–22
- Brighton & Hove Albion Players’ Player of the Season: 2021–22
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2024
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2015
Cucurella (Marc Cucurella) Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Marc Cucurella’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £28 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his professional football career, including his salary and performance-based bonuses. At Chelsea, he reportedly earns a weekly wage of £110,000, which amounts to an annual salary of £5,720,000. His current contract with Chelsea runs until June 30, 2028. Over the years, his income has seen a significant increase with his moves to progressively bigger clubs, from Eibar and Getafe to Brighton and ultimately Chelsea, where he signed a lucrative long-term deal.
Legacy and Influence
Marc Cucurella has established himself as one of the premier left-backs in modern football, known for his relentless energy, tactical intelligence, and versatility. His idols, David Luiz and Carles Puyol, are reflected in his tenacious, never-say-die attitude on the pitch. While not a prolific goalscorer, his influence lies in his defensive prowess and his ability to contribute to the attack, making overlapping runs and delivering crosses. His journey from La Masia to the pinnacle of European football with Chelsea and the Spanish national team serves as an inspiration for young players. Cucurella’s public image is that of a dedicated professional and a committed family man. His success with the Spanish national team at Euro 2024, where he played a crucial role, has significantly enhanced his reputation and cemented his legacy as a key player for his generation.
Interesting Facts about Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)
- He began his sporting life playing futsal in his hometown of Alella before transitioning to football.
- His footballing idols are former defenders David Luiz and Carles Puyol, whose spirited playing style he emulates.
- On his senior international debut for Spain, he had the unique honor of captaining the team.
- While at Eibar, he scored his first-ever La Liga goal against his parent club at the time, FC Barcelona.
- He was given the nickname “Cucu” by his teammates and close circle.
Controversies
During the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024, Cucurella was involved in a controversial handball incident in a match against Germany. A shot from Jamal Musiala struck his arm inside the penalty area, but the referee did not award a penalty, and VAR did not intervene. Spain went on to win the match, which led to significant debate among fans and pundits. UEFA’s Referee Committee later admitted that a penalty should have been awarded. As a result of this incident, he faced booing from German fans in subsequent matches played in Germany.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@cucurella3) – Over 403.2K followers
- Twitter – Not publicly active
- YouTube – No official channel
Final Words about Cucurella (Marc Cucurella)
Marc Cucurella’s career is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. After failing to break into the first team at his boyhood club Barcelona, he carved out a successful path through sheer hard work and consistent performances at Eibar, Getafe, and Brighton, proving his worth at every step. Now a cornerstone for both Chelsea and the Spanish national team, he has evolved from a promising youngster into one of the world’s most reliable left-backs. His triumph at Euro 2024 marked a pinnacle in his international career, solidifying his status as a champion. As he continues in his prime, Cucurella is poised to add more accolades to his collection, with his dynamic playing style and unwavering commitment making him a valuable asset for any team. His journey from the futsal courts of Alella to the grand stages of the Premier League and international football is a compelling narrative of talent meeting opportunity.
