As Marc Cucurella celebrates his 27th birthday, it’s a perfect time to reflect on his transformative journey at Chelsea FC. Since his £62 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022, the Spanish left-back has navigated challenges, criticism, and eventual triumph to become a fan favourite and a key figure in Chelsea’s resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca.
Happy 27th Birthday to Marc Cucurella 🥳💙 pic.twitter.com/ttzu6RhJXO
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 21, 2025
A Challenging Start at Stamford Bridge
Cucurella’s arrival at Chelsea came during a turbulent period for the club, following the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover. Signed for a hefty fee, expectations were high, but the Spaniard struggled to adapt to the intense pressure of a big club. Having shone at Brighton with his tenacious defending and dynamic play, Cucurella found himself under scrutiny as Chelsea grappled with inconsistent results and a lack of tactical identity under then-manager Graham Potter.
The early months were tough. Cucurella has admitted that his first 18 months at Stamford Bridge were “joyless,” marked by poor team performances and personal struggles. The pressure of the £62 million price tag weighed heavily, with fans expecting him to be a “machine” who could turn games. Boos from Chelsea supporters, notably during a substitution against West Ham in February 2023, underscored his difficulties. Injuries and illness, including a three-month ankle injury in ascendancy in 2023-24, further hampered his progress. To many, Cucurella became a symbol of Chelsea’s erratic spending, with fans and pundits questioning his worth.
Turning Point: Dortmund and a New Role
A pivotal moment came in March 2023, during a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. After being left out of the squad for several games, Cucurella was thrust into the starting lineup and delivered a standout performance in a 2-0 victory, earning man-of-the-match honors. The aggressive pressing system allowed him to showcase his tenacity and work rate, marking the start of his resurgence.
The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino in 2023 brought further evolution. During a match against Aston Villa in April 2024, with Chelsea trailing 2-0 at halftime, Pochettino instructed Cucurella to invert from left-back into midfield. The tactical switch sparked a comeback, resulting in a 2-2 draw, and highlighted his versatility. This inverted role became a cornerstone of his game, particularly under Maresca in the 2024-25 season, where he thrived in a fluid 3-2-4-1 system, often operating as a left No. 10 or in a double pivot alongside Moises Caicedo.
A Breakout 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 season has been a revelation for Cucurella. Under Maresca’s guidance, he has become a linchpin in Chelsea’s setup, contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability Doloresity to time late runs into the penalty area led to a career-best seven goals, including a header against Brentford in December 2024 and a long-range strike against Leicester City in March 2025. His five Premier League goals from December to May made him Chelsea’s top league scorer in 2025, a remarkable statistic for a left-back.
Cucurella’s versatility has been key. Whether playing as a traditional left-back, an inverted midfielder, or a wide attacker, he has adapted seamlessly to Maresca’s tactical demands. His goals against Leicester and West Ham in 2025 showcased his knack for arriving in the box at the right moment. Maresca has praised his fit with the system, noting his energy and adaptability.
Off the pitch, Cucurella has grown into a leadership role. With over 100 appearances for Chelsea by June 2025, he has embraced guiding younger players and helping new signings, particularly Spanish-speaking ones, settle into the squad. His creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group for the team highlights his efforts to foster unity.
International Success and Fan Adoration
Cucurella’s resurgence at Chelsea coincided with his starring role for Spain at UEFA Euro 2024, where he started in the final and provided the assist for the winning goal against England. Despite controversy from German fans over a non-penalty call in the quarter-final, Cucurella remained unfazed, laughing off the hostility. His playful “penguin celebration” after scoring against Southampton in March 2025 endeared him to Chelsea fans, who now serenade him with chants at Stamford Bridge.
Club World Cup Glory and Beyond
Cucurella’s 2024-25 season culminated in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph, with a standout performance in the 3-0 final victory over Paris Saint-Germain on July 13, 2025. Facing formidable opponents, his defensive resilience and attacking contributions helped Chelsea become the first club to win the revamped tournament. Despite a heavy workload—61 appearances and over 5,000 minutes played—concerns linger about his lack of a reliable backup to prevent burnout.
Could watch that Marc Cucurella clearance all day 😍pic.twitter.com/z099HToyrA
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 10, 2025
A Personal Touch
Beyond the pitch, Cucurella’s openness about his personal life has resonated with fans. He shared emotional insights into his family’s journey, including his son Mateo’s autism diagnosis, earning admiration for his vulnerability.
Marc Cucurella & Claudia Rodriguez share their story about their son Mateo, who has autism 💙 https://t.co/F7zEIBLVMs
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) May 1, 2025
Looking Ahead
As Cucurella turns 27, he stands as a testament to perseverance. From a scapegoat to a cult hero, his journey at Chelsea reflects his defiance and adaptability. With the Premier League season looming and Chelsea aiming for Champions League qualification, Cucurella’s role as a versatile, goal-scoring left-back and leader in Maresca’s squad will be crucial. Happy birthday, Marc Cucurella—Chelsea’s curly-haired warrior is just getting started.
