Marc Cucurella
CHE
LB
Possession Builder
Jul 22, 1998 (28)
Left
5'8"
146 lb
Real MadridMakes Madrid debut
Cucurella appeared off the bench in Sunday's 3-0 friendly win over Schalke.
Analysis: Cucurella is finally seeing his first minutes with Madrid after spending some time adjusting to the change, with the defender playing 30 minutes from the bench. The defender is expected to be their starter at left-back, a strong upgrade for the team as he comes off a World Cup victory. With his high attacking output despite a defensive position, he will be one of the better two-way defenders on a team that should score often.
Set for new club
Cucurella is set to train and play with Real Madrid and be an undisputed starter at left back, according to the club.
Analysis: Cucurella made 34 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season, contributing one goal and four assists before completing his transfer to Real Madrid this summer. He was an essential member of Spain's World Cup winning back line, helping secure seven clean sheets across eight matches while adding two assists in the tournament, and he now brings that level of form to Real Madrid as he takes over the left side of the club's defense heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga season.
Ends successful World Cup campaign
Cucurella had one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 win over Argentina.
Analysis: Cucurella had an average outing in the final clash with Argentina but continued to deliver solid numbers of passes and interceptions during his eighth straight full-game performance. The newly-signed Real Madrid player was an essential member of a Spain back line that limited the opposition to just one goal, securing seven clean sheets in eight matches. Additionally, he delivered two assists over that span. He'll likely take over the left side of the Merengues' defense as soon as club activity resumes in August.
Solid defensive effort Tuesday
Cucurella recorded one cross (zero accurate) and four tackles in Tuesday's 2-0 win against France. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 31st minute.
Analysis: Cucurella made several defensive contributions, including a last-man tackle, but otherwise had little trouble stopping an uninspired Ousmane Dembele during the victory. Having yet to leave the pitch throughout the World Cup, the left-back has become a major factor in his country's dominance and is expected to remain busy in the final match.
Limited involvement in win
Cucurella registered one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 2-1 win over Belgium.
Analysis: From an involvement perspective, this was one of Cucurella's quietest performances of the World Cup. He remains a key player from a tactical perspective, but his fantasy output is minimal if he's not racking up crosses, clearances or creating chances. Despite the subpar fantasy showing, look for Cucurella to remain in the XI when Spain takes on France on Tuesday in the semifinals.
Registers four clearances
Cucurella registered one cross (one accurate) and four clearances in Monday's 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Analysis: Cucurella still has yet to leave the field for Spain this World Cup, as he played the full 90 in Monday's win. He would notch a cross, an intercpetion and four clearances on his way to a clean sheet, not seeing as much attacking work as he typically does. That said, he does have two assists this World Cup, both coming in their last match.
Delivers two assists
Cucurella assisted twice to go with two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 3-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Cucurella set both of Mikel Oyarzabal's goals, and these were his first two goal contributions in the tournament for the Real Madrid left-back. Cucurella could've had a goal of his own as well, but his first-half strike was ruled out due to a previous foul in the sequence. As if that wasn't enough, the cultured left-back also participated in the sequence that led to Pedro Porro's goal. Cucurella will remain a key two-asset for Spain, but he hasn't had a lot of work defensively so far in the tournament. That could change in the Round of 16, where Spain will face either Croatia or Portugal.
90 minutes against Uruguay
Cucurella had one tackle (zero won), one clearance and one interception in Friday's 1-0 win against Uruguay.
Analysis: Cucurella still has yet to leave the field for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, as the left-back started in a third straight game Friday. He would only earn a single tackle, an interception and one clearance as they held a clean sheet. That said, it was one of the few times the defender did not see some work on the attacking side of the ball.
Two crosses against Saudi Arabia
Cucurella recorded one shot and two crosses in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Cucurella was once again starting at left-back for Spain and earned a decent shift with 90 minutes on the field. He would earn a solid two-way effort with one shot on target and two crosses in the attack to go along with an interception and two clearances in the defense. He looks set to be a for-sure starter at left-back for Spain in future matches.
Advanced role vs Cape Verde
Cucurella recorded two shots (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Shortly after signing a six-year contract with Real Madrid, Cucurella was named to Spain's starting XI for the World Cup opener. He started at left-back and since Spain dominated possession to such an extreme level, Cucurella was on the attack for most of the match. He created two chances, both at the end of the first half which resulted in close Ferran Torres misses and then had a chance to win the match in the 83rd minute with a wide-open header, but he headed it right to the Cape Verde keeper. Given Spain is expected to dominate possession versus most teams they play, Cucurella will likely continue to have an advanced attacking during this tournament.
Signs for Real Madrid
Cucurella has joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on a six-year contract until June 2032, the club announced.
Analysis: Cucurella spent four seasons at Stamford Bridge after joining from Brighton in 2022, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup during his time in west London while also establishing himself as a regular starter for the Spanish national team and winning Euro 2024. Cucurella heads to the Bernabeu as one of the most experienced and decorated left-backs in European football, and will now look to cement his status at one of the world's biggest clubs after completing what is one of the most significant transfers of the summer window. Before joining the Merengues, Cucurella is expected to anchor the Spanish back-line at the 2026 World Cup.
Undisputed at left-back
Cucurella has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to be the undisputed starter at left-back throughout the competition under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Analysis: Cucurella ended the season having been Chelsea's most consistent performer on the left flank, recording one goal and four assists across 34 Premier League appearances in 2,710 minutes, cementing his status as one of the best left-backs in the division. The Spaniard brings defensive reliability, a relentless work rate and the ability to contribute going forward in a system that demands high energy from its full-backs, and his experience at Euro 2024 gives him the credentials to perform consistently at the highest level. Cucurella heads into the World Cup as one of the first names on manager De la Fuente's teamsheet and a key piece of Spain's defensive and offensive setup on the left side.
74 minutes in FA Cup loss
Cucurella recorded one shot and two tackles won in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Cucurella was tasked with a role on the left of the midfield Saturday as his club went for a three-center-back formation, notching one shot in the attack to go along with one interception, a clearance and two tackles won in the defense. He remains one of their more crucial two-way players to end the campaign and should maintain his starting role, especially ahead of the World Cup, notching one goal and four assists from his defensive spot this season.
Logs an assist
Cucurella assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Monday's 3-1 loss versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Cucurella got an assist in stoppage time but was fairly inaccurate with his service as five of his six crosses did not find a mark. He did create three chances though, and he'll likely be needed offensively against Liverpool. The Reds have slipped a bit defensively, conceding 47 goals through 35 EPL games.
One cross Sunday
Cucurella had two shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-0 defeat versus Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 54th minute.
Analysis: Cucurella started Sunday after a break for FA Cup play, playing the full 90 in his typical left-back role. He would see some decent work both ways, notching one cross, two chances created and two shots in the attack to go along with an interception, two tackles and two clearances in the defense. He still remains a top attacking full-back in the league with his creativity, notching four goal contributions in a team with playmakers everywhere.
Bench option
Cucurella (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Cucurella is back in the team after he was signified he was close to a return, back after a three-game absence. With the defender being one of the top left-backs in the league, he will likely look to return to that role after testing his legs Wednesday.
Close to return
Cucurella (hamstring) could be included in the squad for Wednesday's clash against Aston Villa or potentially return this weekend in the FA Cup, coach Liam Rosenior said in the press conference. "Cucurella looks in good shape. We're hoping to have him back, if not on Wednesday, then on Saturday."
Analysis: Cucurella is progressing well in his recovery from a hamstring injury and could return for Wednesday's league clash against Aston Villa or potentially in Saturday's FA Cup match. The left-back was a regular starter prior to his setback and is likely to gradually reclaim his spot in the starting XI as he regains full match fitness. Jorral Hato and Malo Gusto have each started games in his absence.
Out Saturday, return unknown
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Saturday's match against Burnley and has no exact timeframe for a return, according to manager Liam Rosenior.
Analysis: Cucurella was initially claimed to be missing for around three to four weeks and will miss a second match on Saturday, although the manager claimed his return is still up in the air. That said, the clearest we still have for the defender is his return in another week or two, yet to have joined training. This will likely leave Jorrel Hato to start again at left-back, the likely replacement moving forward until Cucurella is fit again.
Out three to four weeks
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for three to four weeks due to a hamstring injury, the player told AS Diario.
Analysis: Cucurella is heading to the sidelines for around the next month, as the defender has been confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury after an early exit from a match earlier in the week. Unfortunately for Chelsea, he has been one of their more important players, serving as a regular on the left. Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato will likely be the options to take his place until fit again, set to return midway through March, and still be an option for Spain as they enter the international break.
Set for further assessment
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Friday's match against Hull City and is set for further testing, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "For Marc, it's too early to know [the extent of the injury]. He's definitely out for the game against Hull. We're doing our scans and assessments on him, and hopefully, it's not too long [his absence]."
Analysis: Cucurella will not make the call Friday after some issues with a hamstring injury inTuesday's match, as Friday's game will be too quick a turnaround. Instead, he will face further assessment and testing in the coming days, revealing the true extent of his injury. That said, this will leave a gap at left-back as he waits for his testing, with Jorrel Hato or Malo Gusto options to move to that spot until Cucurella is fit for a start again.
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