“If your family is happy, you will be happy too. Once you have that, you can concentrate on your work,” said the La Roja left-back. Photo: cucurella3 / Instagram
Spain defender Mark Cucurella says raising his eldest son Mateo, who has autism, has changed his approach to both family life and his football career. Talking to Country During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the newly signed Real Madrid defender recalled that the hardest thing after the diagnosis was “not knowing how we can help”, explaining that access to specialist schools and therapy now influences every transfer decision he considers.
The 27-year-old left-back has become one of Spain’s regulars at the tournament, but off the field he says his family’s experience has changed his priorities.
Mark Cucurella says his son’s autism has changed the family’s priorities.
Cucurella explained that the first signs appeared when Mateo was still a baby. He recalled that the family would play music and watch him wave his arms, initially thinking he was just dancing. Over time, they noticed different behavior and sought medical help, which ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of autism.
“The hardest part is you don’t know how you can help,” Cucurella said, describing the uncertainty that surrounded those first months. He added that learning more about autism allowed the family to adapt their daily routine and focus on providing the support Mateo needed, rather than comparing his development to other children.
The Spain international said Mateo enjoys going to therapy and that the sessions have become part of the family’s daily life. He also explained that every child with autism develops differently, so early assessment and specialized support are especially valuable.
This experience now influences decisions beyond family life. Before considering any transfer, Cucurella said he first checks to see if the destination has specialized schools and autism services. Football remains his profession, but family needs now matter as much as sporting considerations.
The Chelsea defender has become a key player in Spain
Cucurella, 27 years old, was born in Alella, Catalonia, on July 22, 1998. Standing at 1.73m (5ft 8in), he plays primarily as a left-back or left wing-back for Spain and recently signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid after completing his move from Chelsea. After developing at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Cucurella played for Eibar, Getafe, Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea before returning to La Liga with Real Madrid in June 2026.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he remained Spain’s first-choice left-back, contributing in both defense and attack as the team reached the semi-finals. His performances cemented his place in head coach Luis de la Fuente’s starting XI.
Away from football, Cucurella and his partner Claudia Rodriguez have three children, of whom Mateo is the eldest. Balancing elite football with family life requires organizing travel, doctor’s appointments and school schedules around the international playing calendar.
Cucurella said he decided to speak publicly about his family’s experience because greater awareness could help other parents recognize the early signs of autism and seek professional help sooner. Instead of presenting his story as a model for others, he hopes it will help families facing similar uncertainty realize they are not alone.