Cucurella’s trademark hair is a daily message of love to his autistic son

Marc Cucurella says his distinctive long, curly hair is not a fashion statement but a deliberate choice to help his autistic son recognise and feel safe with him – even on the biggest nights of his career.

The Spain defender has revealed that his hairstyle is closely linked to his relationship with his eldest son, Mateo, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For Cucurella, it has become a visible symbol of his role as a father, rather than a stylistic quirk.

Speaking to Amazon Prime a year ago, the former Chelsea left-back said: “I have a son with autism, and I wish I didn’t have money in exchange for him being healthy.”

He went on: “I leave my hair down because he likes it, and even if one day he forgets me, at least he can recognise me by my hair.”

Diagnosis that changed everything

Cucurella and his wife, Claudia Rodriguez, began to notice in Mateo’s early years that he was developing differently from other children. Their concerns were confirmed when he received an autism diagnosis shortly after Cucurella’s move to Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

Rodriguez has described that period as one of the most challenging the family has faced. She recalled how both parents used to come home from school in tears, feeling they were not getting the support they had hoped for.

She explained that any disruption to Mateo’s routine – such as a change of place, schedule or daily pattern – could become a major hurdle. What might seem like a small adjustment to others could be overwhelming for their son.

For Cucurella, the diagnosis forced a complete reassessment of his priorities and how he approached everyday life.

He said it had transformed his outlook: “You have to think about Mateo all the time. Sometimes we want to do many things, but we can’t because they are not suitable for him.”

Protecting his son on football’s biggest stage

Cucurella’s commitment to adapting his life around his son’s needs did not stop at home. It stretched all the way to the greatest stage in world football – the 2026 World Cup final.

On the night Spain lifted the trophy, the defender made sure Mateo would not be overwhelmed by the intense noise and crowds that accompany such an occasion. A private, enclosed room was arranged for his son inside the stadium, shielded from the roar of the fans and the bustle of the stands.

For a child with autism, loud sounds and densely packed spaces can be a significant source of stress and sensory overload. Cucurella was determined that Mateo would still be able to share in the moment, but from an environment tailored to his needs.

So while millions of supporters around the world watched the World Cup final amid carnival-like atmospheres, Cucurella took to the pitch reassured that his son was following the match in a calm, safe setting.

More than a hairstyle

That context helps explain why Cucurella’s flowing hair has become much more than a personal style choice. To him, it is a point of recognition that can cut through confusion in a crowd, offering his son a sense of security among thousands of faces.

The player sees it as a daily, visible promise that fatherhood will always come before medals and titles. Every time he steps onto the pitch with his hair down, it is, in his eyes, a small act of support for Mateo.

When Cucurella finally climbed the steps to lift the World Cup with Spain, the moment capped the pinnacle of his sporting career. But in his mind, another victory had already been secured before a ball was kicked: ensuring that his son could experience that historic night in a way that made him feel safe.