Marc Cucurella Saseta, born on 22 July 1998, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer known for his versatility as a left-back or left wing-back. He currently plies his trade with Premier League club Chelsea and the Spain national team. His journey from a youth player in Catalonia to a top-tier professional in one of the world’s most competitive leagues is a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability.
Wiki
Full Name: Marc Cucurella Saseta
Date of Birth: July 22, 1998
Place of Birth: Alella, Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Origin: Barcelona, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Current Club: Chelsea FC
Position: Left wing-back, Left back
Net Worth: €16 Million
Early Life and Career
Cucurella was born in Alella, a picturesque town in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. His early foray into football began with futsal at FS Alella, showcasing his talents from a young age. In 2006, he took a significant step in his budding career by joining Espanyol’s youth academy. Six years later, in 2012, Cucurella transitioned to FC Barcelona’s esteemed youth setup, La Masia, known for producing world-class talents.
On 26 November 2016, Cucurella made his senior debut for Barcelona’s reserves, starting in a dominant 4–0 home victory over L’Hospitalet in the Segunda División B. This marked the beginning of his rise through the ranks. He contributed significantly during the season, making 17 appearances and playing a vital role in the team’s promotion to the Segunda División via the play-offs. Recognizing his potential, Barcelona secured his services with a contract renewal on 7 July 2017, which included a substantial €12 million release clause.
Cucurella’s professional debut came on 1 September 2017, when he started in a 2–2 away draw against Granada. His first-team debut for Barcelona followed on 24 October 2017, where he substituted for Lucas Digne in a 3–0 Copa del Rey away win against Real Murcia. He notched his first senior goal for Barcelona B on 17 March 2018, scoring an equalizer in a draw against Lorca.
Seeking more first-team opportunities, Cucurella was loaned to La Liga side SD Eibar on 31 August 2018, with an option for a €2 million permanent transfer. He made his La Liga debut on 25 September 2018 in a narrow 1–0 loss to Espanyol, where his performance received commendation despite the defeat. His inaugural La Liga goal came on 19 May 2019, when he scored the opening goal in a 2–2 draw against his parent club, Barcelona.
Impressed by his performances, Eibar exercised their option to buy Cucurella at the end of the loan spell, making him a permanent player. However, Barcelona retained a €4 million buyback option, which they activated on 16 July 2019. Just two days later, Cucurella was loaned to Getafe for the 2019-2020 season, with an option to buy for €6 million, while Barcelona kept 40% of his rights.
During his time at Getafe, Cucurella’s performances continued to draw attention. His tenacity, crossing ability, and defensive acumen made him a key player for the team. He quickly established himself as an integral part of Getafe’s lineup, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of Spanish football. This loan spell eventually became permanent, solidifying his place in La Liga.
In August 2021, Cucurella’s career took a significant leap when he signed with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. His transition to English football was seamless, with his dynamic playstyle and adaptability shining through. His time at Brighton further cemented his reputation as one of the best left-backs in Europe.
His performances did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2022, Cucurella made a high-profile move to Chelsea. Joining one of the Premier League’s top clubs marked a new chapter in his career, where he continues to showcase his skills on one of the world’s biggest football stages. At Chelsea, Cucurella has been pivotal in both domestic and international competitions, contributing to the team’s successes with his robust defensive work and attacking support.
Internationally, Cucurella has represented Spain at various youth levels before making his senior team debut. His journey through the national team ranks is a reflection of his consistent performance and dedication. He was part of the Spanish squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Spain secured a silver medal, further highlighting his credentials on the international stage.
Cucurella made his European debut on 19 September 2019 as a substitute for Kenedy in a 1–0 home win over Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League group stage. He played eight games in that campaign, which concluded with a 2–0 aggregate loss to Inter Milan in the last 16. His performances during his tenure at Getafe further established his reputation as a reliable and skilled left-back.
On 31 August 2021, Cucurella made a significant move to the Premier League by joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a five-year contract. He debuted for Brighton on 11 September, starting and playing 82 minutes in a 1–0 away win over Brentford. Eight days later, he made his home debut, playing the entire match in a 2–1 victory over Leicester City. One of his notable contributions was a chipped cross that set up Danny Welbeck’s equalizer in a 1–1 draw away to Chelsea on 29 December. Cucurella scored his first goal for Brighton on 7 May 2022, netting the second goal in a 4–0 win over Manchester United. His impressive performances earned him the Players’ Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards at Brighton.
On 5 August 2022, Cucurella signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, with the transfer fee reported to be worth an initial £55 million, potentially rising to £62 million with add-ons, a record fee received by Brighton. He made his Chelsea debut on 6 August as a substitute in a 1–0 away win against Everton in the Premier League. On 7 March 2023, he was named Player of the Match in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg match against Borussia Dortmund, which ended in a 2–0 win and qualification to the quarter-finals. He scored his first goal for Chelsea on 17 March 2024, opening the scoring in a 4–2 victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Internationally, Cucurella has represented Spain at every youth level from under-16 to under-23, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic tournament. He made his senior debut for Spain in 2021. On 25 March 2019, he debuted for the non-FIFA Catalonia team in a 2–1 win over Venezuela in Girona. After progressing through Spain’s youth teams, Cucurella was called up to the Spain under-21 team in September 2019, playing in the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches. He captained Spain to the semi-finals of the 2021 European U21 championship, where they were defeated by Portugal.
Marc Cucurella’s career trajectory from the youth fields of Catalonia to the competitive arenas of the Premier League is a story of talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His technical skills, combined with his versatility and tactical awareness, continue to make him a valuable asset to both his club and the national team. As he progresses, Cucurella’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, exemplifying the rewards of hard work and perseverance in the pursuit of sporting greatness.
Internationally, Cucurella has represented Spain at every youth level from under-16 to under-23, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, he was called up to the senior Spain squad for UEFA Nations League games against Switzerland and Germany by manager Luis Enrique, as José Gayà was injured. Although he was an unused substitute for these fixtures, he made his senior debut on 8 June 2021, captaining Spain’s under-21 squad in a 4–0 friendly win over Lithuania due to the isolation of the senior squad following Sergio Busquets’ positive COVID-19 test.
On 26 March 2024, Cucurella earned his second cap for Spain, playing the full 90 minutes in a thrilling 3–3 draw with Brazil at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. In June 2024, he was named in Spain’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. He made his competitive debut in the tournament’s opening match, starting at left back in a 3–0 victory over Croatia at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Individuals Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Cucurella has amassed an impressive array of individual achievements, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. One of his most notable accomplishments was winning the Copa del Rey with Spain’s U23 team in the 2017-2018 season.
On the international stage, Cucurella has also made a significant impact, earning a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
At the club level, Cucurella has been recognized by his peers and coaches alike for his outstanding performances. He was named Brighton & Hove Albion’s Players’ Player of the Season and Player of the Season for the 2021-2022 season, a clear indication of his value to the team.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Marc Cucurella has been in a committed relationship with Claudia Rodriguez, a fashion designer based in London. Together since 2018, they share a strong bond and are parents to two children. Despite not being married, their commitment to each other as partners and parents is evident.
Social Media
Cucurella has also made a significant impact on social media, amassing over 1 million followers on Instagram (@cucurella3).
Net Worth
His estimated net worth is €16 million, a testament to his successful career and endorsement deals.