Marc Cucurella Embraces Superstitious Tradition Ahead of Spain’s World Cup Final Victory
Marc Cucurella carried on a unique tradition from Spain’s past World Cup triumph by burying a “lucky” coin in the pitch just before kick-off, following a request from football legend Joan Capdevila.
Cucurella emulated the pre-match ritual of Capdevila, a left-back who won the 2010 World Cup. Capdevila performed the same act before La Roja defeated the Netherlands to secure their first championship 16 years ago in South Africa.
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As the match was set to begin, the 27-year-old was seen from the stands taking a coin from his sock and placing it into the grass at MetLife Stadium.
Following Spain’s extra-time win over Argentina, thanks to Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute, Capdevila took to X to reveal that he had encouraged Cucurella to participate in this secret superstition.
“And now I’ll tell you a secret… In 2010, I buried a coin in the grass before starting the match… I’ve told it millions of times,” Capdevila shared. “I asked Cucurella to do the same yesterday…
“Marc, I love you so much. YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION!”
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Capdevila posted a video showing Cucurella approaching the touchline to bury the coin while ensuring no one was watching.
Capdevila, who is now 48, played an essential role during Spain’s golden era, starting in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands and contributing to the team’s victory in the 2008 European Championship.
However, his attendance at the World Cup final was initially jeopardized due to complications with his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application, which was rejected after a prior visit to Iran.
Capdevila made a public appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance in entering the country for the match, posting on X: “I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!”
Joan Capdevila won the 2010 World Cup with Spain (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
“They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.
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“Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on.
“I can’t believe they’re not letting me into the USA… and that I’ll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much.”
Fortunately, he was able to resolve the issue and was present in the stands in New Jersey, sharing with his followers: “NEVER GIVE UP IF YOU WANT SOMETHING, LET’S GO SPAIN!”