Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has revealed the heartfelt story behind one of his most recognizable features—his long, curly hair, which he never ties back during matches.
The reason is deeply personal and is connected to his son, Mateo, who has been diagnosed with autism.
According to Cucurella, wearing his hair down helps Mateo recognize him more easily on the pitch, giving him a sense of comfort and security during matches.
In an interview and documentary, the footballer spoke emotionally about the challenges he and his partner, Claudia Rodriguez, have faced since Mateo’s diagnosis.
He admitted that, as parents, they were completely unprepared for such a situation and had to learn everything from scratch about autism and their son’s specific needs.
One of the most difficult periods for the family came when Mateo attended a mainstream school. According to Cucurella, his son often came home in tears, and on several occasions, the family was called to pick him up just a few hours after classes had begun.
His partner also shared that they frequently left the school in tears themselves, witnessing how difficult it was for Mateo to adapt to that environment.
The couple revealed that after the diagnosis, they did not receive the support they had hoped for and were forced to educate themselves about the best ways to care for and support their son.
As a result, every major family decision—from holidays and schooling to therapy and even potential transfers in Cucurella’s football career—is made with Mateo’s well-being as the top priority.
The footballer explained that whenever a club expresses interest in signing him, the family first checks whether the city offers suitable schools and specialized therapeutic services for Mateo.
Cucurella emphasized that his family will always come first and that only when they are happy and well can he perform at his best on the pitch.
Marc Cucurella and Claudia Rodriguez, who are also parents to Rio and Bella, say that Mateo has completely changed the way they see life.
The Spanish international said that every small milestone their son achieves brings the family immense joy, and he hopes that by sharing their story, he can inspire and encourage other parents who are raising children with autism.
