Marc Cucurella has followed through on a unique promise he made to Spain manager Luis de la Fuente by getting a tattoo dedicated to the coach after Spain’s historic World Cup triumph.

The defender played an important role in Spain’s success at the tournament, helping the national team lift the trophy earlier this month. Before the competition ended, Cucurella had promised that he would celebrate De la Fuente’s achievement in a very personal and unusual way by permanently marking the coach’s image on his body.

After completing his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid during the summer, Cucurella revealed the special tribute on social media. The tattoo, placed on the inside part of his arm, features a portrait of the 65-year-old manager alongside an image of the World Cup trophy.

Cucurella shared the moment with his followers on Instagram, posting a photograph of himself during the tattoo session with the simple message: “Promise fulfilled.” The post showed that he had kept his word and completed the gesture he had announced after Spain’s victory.

The decision came after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final following extra time. Following the match, De la Fuente reacted humorously when he heard about Cucurella’s plan to tattoo his face.

During his post-match press conference, the Spain manager joked that the players might have regretted their decision. He playfully questioned whether Cucurella and his teammates had made the right choice, but he admitted that he was amused and proud that they were willing to honour their promise.

De la Fuente joked that he was not so unattractive that his players needed to hide his face somewhere invisible. However, he said the gesture made him happy because it showed the respect and appreciation his players had for him.

Cucurella became one of Spain’s key players during their World Cup campaign. The former Chelsea left-back started every one of Spain’s eight matches throughout the tournament, playing a major role in the team’s defensive success.

His performances helped Spain achieve an impressive defensive record, with the team keeping seven clean sheets during the competition. His consistency, energy and determination made him an important part of the squad that secured another historic achievement for Spanish football.

Away from football, Cucurella also attracted attention for carrying a personal good-luck charm throughout the tournament. The defender reportedly brought his wife’s pyjama top with him during the World Cup because he believed it would bring him positive fortune.

The unusual ritual became another memorable part of Spain’s championship journey and highlighted Cucurella’s personal connection to the people closest to him.

The tattoo tribute to De la Fuente represents more than just a celebration of a trophy. It reflects the strong relationship between the manager and his players, as well as the trust and admiration developed within the Spanish squad.

For Cucurella, who experienced major changes in his career after leaving Chelsea and joining Real Madrid, the World Cup victory became one of the defining moments of his football life. By permanently displaying De la Fuente’s image, he ensured that the achievement and the coach who guided Spain to success would remain part of his personal story forever.

The gesture has also strengthened Cucurella’s reputation as a player who values loyalty, friendship and appreciation beyond his performances on the pitch. While many footballers celebrate victories through traditional methods, such as trophies, medals or celebrations, Cucurella chose a more personal and permanent way to remember one of the greatest moments of his career.

De la Fuente’s reaction showed that the tattoo was not simply a publicity stunt but a meaningful symbol of the bond between a coach and his players. The manager’s humour and pride demonstrated how much he appreciated the commitment behind the gesture.

With Spain now recognised as World Cup champions and Cucurella beginning a new chapter at Real Madrid, the tattoo will serve as a lasting reminder of the tournament that transformed their careers and created a special connection between the player and his national team coach.