Chelsea and Spain star Marc Cucurella shares heartfelt reflection on raising son with autism

In a touching display of paternal love that has resonated far beyond the football pitch, Spanish international Marc Cucurella has opened up about his life as a father to his eldest son, Mateo, who was diagnosed with autism. The 28-year-old defender, who recently completed a high-profile transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid, revealed one of his most emotional insights yet: “I have a son with autism. I wish I didn’t have a penny if it meant my son could be healthy. I grow my hair long because he likes it, and also so that if one day he forgets me, he’ll still be able to recognize me.”

Cucurella, who celebrated his 28th birthday earlier this week, has been candid in recent interviews and family discussions about the challenges and joys of parenting a child with autism. He and his long-term partner, Claudia Rodríguez, share three children: Mateo (their eldest), Rio, and Bella. The family first noticed developmental differences in Mateo shortly after Cucurella’s £65 million move to Chelsea in 2022. The diagnosis brought months of uncertainty and emotional hardship for the couple, who have spoken publicly about the initial confusion and the daily efforts to find the right support.

The left-back’s distinctive long hair has become not just a personal style choice but a deliberate act of connection. Mateo particularly enjoys it, and Cucurella maintains the look so his son can more easily identify him—whether on the pitch during matches, on television screens, or in person. This small but profound gesture underscores the defender’s unwavering commitment to his family amid a demanding career.

Family has always come first for Cucurella. When considering transfers, including his recent move to Real Madrid, he and Claudia have prioritized locations with access to quality specialized schools and therapy services for Mateo. “I wouldn’t go to any team where I couldn’t find schools or therapies that would suit my son,” Cucurella has said in previous interviews. “My family comes first. It’s incredibly important to us.” The couple ensured Madrid offered the necessary support before finalizing the switch, reflecting a parenting approach shaped by their experiences.

Raised in Alella, Catalonia, Cucurella rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before forging a successful professional path that included stints at Getafe, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea. On the international stage, he has been a key contributor to Spain’s recent successes, including triumphs at the Euros and the 2026 World Cup. Yet, off the field, his priorities center on supporting Mateo’s development and appreciating life’s deeper values. “It didn’t change my life, it just makes you appreciate it more,” he has reflected on the diagnosis.

Cucurella’s openness has drawn widespread admiration from fans, fellow players, and the autism community. Many have praised his vulnerability and the example he sets for other parents navigating similar journeys. As he begins a new chapter at Real Madrid, the story serves as a powerful reminder that even at the highest levels of professional sport, personal resilience and family bonds remain paramount.

The defender’s words continue to circulate widely on social media, inspiring conversations about autism awareness, parental sacrifice, and the human side of athletes often viewed solely through the lens of their on-field achievements.