Marc Cucurella's long, curly hair has become one of the most recognisable looks in football, but it is far more than a trademark style. The Spain defender has revealed that he deliberately keeps it untied during matches because it helps his autistic son, Mateo, spot him more easily on the pitch.
The touching family detail has emerged as Cucurella opened up about life away from football following Spain's recent FIFA World Cup triumph. While supporters celebrate his success on the field, the Chelsea star says many of his biggest decisions begin at home, with his family's needs always coming first.
A Small Choice With a Big Meaning
For most footballers with long hair, tying it back before kick-off is simply part of their routine. Cucurella has chosen a different path, not to stand out, but because he knows his son finds comfort in being able to recognise him quickly among 22 players running around the pitch.
Children with autism can find crowded and visually busy environments overwhelming. Leaving his hair loose gives Mateo a familiar feature to focus on, turning what looks like a simple hairstyle into a thoughtful act of fatherhood that he repeats every match.
🚨 Cucurella: “Otizmli bir oğlum var, keşke hiç param olmasaydı da oğlum sağlıklı olsaydı.
— Transfer Merkezi ™ (@TransferMerkez) July 23, 2026
Saçlarımı o sevdiği için uzatıyorum; bir de bir an beni unutursa tanıyabilsin diye…” pic.twitter.com/2IjMQUKefq
Life Changed After Mateo's Diagnosis
Cucurella and his wife, Claudia Rodriguez, have spoken openly about raising Mateo after he was diagnosed with autism shortly after the footballer's move to Chelsea in 2022. They admitted that, like many parents, they had no idea what lay ahead and had to learn everything from the beginning.
Speaking on La Media Inglesa and in the documentary Married to the Game, Cucurella became emotional while discussing his eldest son. He said parents are often unprepared after receiving an autism diagnosis and described the journey as one that required patience, understanding and constant learning.
School Struggles Began
One of the family's biggest challenges came when Mateo attended a mainstream school. Cucurella revealed that his son would often come home in tears and, on some days, had to leave school after only a few hours because he was struggling.
Rodriguez admitted those mornings were heartbreaking for both parents. They sometimes drove away from the school in tears themselves, knowing how difficult the experience had been for their son while also receiving little guidance about autism during those early stages.
Family Comes Before Football
The impact of Mateo's needs stretches far beyond matchdays. Cucurella explained that decisions about holidays, travel, routines, food and even where the family lives all revolve around creating stability for their son.
The defender also revealed that whenever another club expresses interest in signing him, one of the family's first questions is whether the area has suitable schools and therapy services for Mateo. Football may be his profession, but his family's wellbeing remains the priority.
Every Match Starts at Home
Cucurella believes that feeling settled at home allows him to perform at his best on the pitch. He explained that if his family is happy and supported, he can fully focus on football without worrying about what is happening away from the game.
That mindset has transformed even the smallest routines into meaningful gestures. Leaving his hair untied is not a publicity stunt or a lucky tradition. It is simply another way of making life a little easier for his son every time he walks onto the pitch.
A New Way of Seeing Success
Despite the difficult moments, Cucurella says Mateo has brought enormous happiness to the family and changed their outlook in life.
Alongside Rodriguez and their other children, Rio and Bella, they have learned to celebrate progress that many people might overlook.
The Spain international said even the smallest step forward brings immense joy, adding that children like Mateo have helped him see the world differently.
By sharing his family's story, Cucurella hopes other parents raising autistic children feel less alone and more encouraged, proving that sometimes the greatest victories happen far away from the football stadium.
