Marc Cucurella revealed the touching reason behind his famous curly hair and opened up about his son Mateo’s autism diagnosis and inspiring journey.
For football fans around the world, it is almost impossible to picture Marc Cucurella without his long, curly hair. The Spanish defender’s distinctive hairstyle has become one of the most recognizable features in world football, making him instantly identifiable on the pitch. While many supporters have assumed it was simply a personal style choice, the Real Madrid full-back has now revealed the surprisingly emotional story behind the look that has accompanied him throughout his career.
In a recent interview ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Cucurella was jokingly asked about his famous curls, a hairstyle that has become as iconic as his relentless energy on the field. Rather than brushing off the question, the Spain international smiled and shared the heartwarming family story that explains why he has never considered cutting his hair.
His mother wanted to recognize him on the pitch
According to Cucurella, everything dates back to his childhood.
When he first started playing football, his mother made a simple but practical decision. Instead of giving him a short haircut like most young players, she allowed his hair to grow long so that she could easily spot him during matches.
With dozens of children running around the field every weekend, his curly hair became the easiest way for her to recognize her son from the sidelines. What began as a thoughtful gesture from a caring mother eventually evolved into one of the most recognizable images in professional football.
As Cucurella explained, that childhood habit simply never disappeared.
Throughout his rise from youth football to the biggest stages in Europe and eventually to Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, he kept the same hairstyle. Today, despite becoming one of the world’s best defenders, he insists he has no plans to cut it.
His famous curls are no longer just part of his appearance—they represent a connection to his family and the memories of his earliest days in football.
A far greater challenge away from football
While millions of fans recognize Cucurella because of his hair, the Spanish defender says the biggest battle of his life has taken place far away from stadiums and television cameras.
The Real Madrid star has openly spoken about the difficult period he and his partner experienced after their son, Mateo, was diagnosed with autism.
It was an emotional process filled with uncertainty, fear, and heartbreak.
“We went home crying every single day,” Cucurella admitted while recalling those painful months.
The defender explained that understanding autism completely changed the way he and his family approached everyday life.
“A child with autism doesn’t understand things in the same way as everyone else. You have to learn to understand them,” he said.
Rather than focusing on the challenges alone, Cucurella has chosen to speak publicly in the hope of increasing awareness and helping other families facing similar situations.
A life-changing decision for Mateo
The diagnosis led Cucurella and his partner to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Determined to provide Mateo with the best possible opportunities, the family decided to relocate to another country so their son could benefit from an educational system that was better suited to children with autism.
It was not an easy decision.
Changing countries meant adapting to a new environment, leaving familiar surroundings behind, and reorganizing family life. However, for Cucurella, every sacrifice was worth making if it improved Mateo’s quality of life and future development.
The footballer’s commitment to his family has earned admiration from supporters, many of whom have praised his honesty and willingness to discuss such a personal subject publicly.
Success on the pitch means less than Mateo’s progress
Despite winning major trophies during his career, including becoming a world champion with Spain, Cucurella admits that football achievements no longer represent the greatest moments of his life.
Watching Mateo make progress every day has become a far greater source of happiness than lifting trophies or celebrating victories.
🥹 🏆 Todos vimos a Marc Cucurella levantar la Copa, pero pocos conocen la historia de su hijo Mateo, diagnosticado con autismo. Un testimonio de amor incondicional donde la verdadera prioridad nunca fue el fútbol, sino asegurar las terapias, el bienestar y la felicidad de su… pic.twitter.com/aPwDzFzD5D
— CENTRO Digital (@radiocentroec) July 21, 2026
Every new milestone reached by his son means more to him than any medal.
His comments offer a powerful reminder that, behind the fame, the trophies, and the global recognition, footballers face the same emotional struggles as millions of families around the world.
Marc Cucurella may forever be remembered for his unmistakable curly hair, but the story behind it reflects the importance of family, while his openness about Mateo’s autism reveals the courage of a father whose greatest victory is not on the football pitch—but at home.
