Spain defender Marc Cucurella has announced he will retire from international football should his nation win the World Cup. The Chelsea player, who is expected to join Real Madrid in the near future, revealed his intention in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar.
Cucurella stated that if Spain are victorious, he will contact manager Luis de la Fuente the following day to inform him of his decision. He believes winning both a European Championship and a World Cup represents the pinnacle of his international career, stating he “can’t do better.” Cucurella was part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2019 and is a key member of the current senior team.
The 25-year-old has become a regular fixture in the Spanish side, earning 27 caps since making his debut in 2020. He has played a significant role in their run to the World Cup final, showcasing his versatility as a left-back and centre-back. Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022 for a reported fee of £62 million, but has faced competition for a starting role.
His potential move to Real Madrid, while not yet official, has been widely reported in Spanish media. The transfer would see him return to La Liga, where he previously spent time in the academy of Barcelona. Should Spain defeat Argentina in the final on Sunday, Cucurella’s unexpected retirement pledge would bring a premature end to his international career, despite his relatively young age. The declaration has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the sincerity of his statement.
