Marc Cucurella: From Barcelona’s Ranks to Becoming a Key Player

Marc Cucurella claimed yet another victim this Tuesday, continuing his routine of neutralizing rival wingers. This encounter, however, was particularly significant, as it involved Lamine Yamal and took place against none other than Barcelona, the club where Cucurella developed from the youth ranks.

Cucurella’s story at Barcelona, unfortunately, ended without him breaking into the first team. Whether due to fierce competition, as Jordi Alba held the position, or a lack of recognition from coaches, Cucurella eventually had to move on, first to Eibar and then to Getafe, who paid just under 12 million euros for his transfer—still the highest fee in the history of the club.

Cucurella played only one match for Barcelona’s first team, a Copa del Rey game against Murcia in the 2017-2018 season under Ernesto Valverde. Barcelona won the match 3-0, and Cucurella came on in the 83rd minute, replacing Lucas Digne. During those seven minutes on the pitch, he played alongside teammates such as Cillessen, Semedo, Mascherano, Vermaelen, André Gomes, Rakitic, Denis Suárez, Sergi Roberto, Arnáiz, and Paco Alcácer.

In Barcelona B, Cucurella made 54 appearances, 37 of which were in Segunda División. At the top level, he has played 106 matches across Eibar and Getafe, who later sold him to Brighton for 18 million euros.

From Brighton, Cucurella made a significant leap, transferring to Chelsea for over 65 million euros—a fee many considered excessive for a ‘defensive’ full-back. However, time has revealed Cucurella’s ability to make a significant difference on the field. Neutralizing a star rival can be as impactful as scoring goals, and Cucurella also excels in ball distribution.

He has become indispensable for both Luis De la Fuente in the national team and Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the world. Meanwhile, at Barcelona, there is frustration over having only experienced him for a mere seven minutes.