Euro 2024 winner — the handball that wasn't, and a left-back whose redemption arc at Chelsea was complete.
Marc Cucurella Saseta was born in Alella, Spain in 1998. Barcelona's La Masia produced him — loaned out for development — before Brighton paid £15 million and Chelsea paid £62 million for him in 2022. His Euro 2024 handball in the semi-final against France — not given by the referee despite clear contact — was one of the tournament's most discussed refereeing decisions and generated enormous controversy in France. Spain won the game and eventually the tournament. He was part of the Spanish squad that won Euro 2024 — redemption for any controversy that preceded it. His work rate, pressing intensity and technical quality at left-back make him one of the most dynamic defenders in the Premier League. His curly hair became one of football's most recognisable visual signatures. His relationship with Chelsea supporters, initially mixed given his price tag, improved significantly as his performances became more consistent.
Euro (Spain 2024)
Career Honours
- Euro (Spain 2024)
- Premier League (2021 Brighton)
- Champions League (2021 squad)