Real Madrid’s Estadio Bernabéu will pay a thoroughly deserved tribute this evening to Marc Cucurella, after the defender helped Spain capture the World Cup this summer. As has already been announced, the Spanish Soccer Federation is organizing ceremonies at stadiums around the country this round of league fixtures for players who helped La Roja secure its second star in the United States. Today, it will be Cucurella’s turn, with the newly signed Madrid defender having completed his move before the World Cup (Chelsea received €64 million in the deal).
Cucurella will be joined in the tribute by Mikel Oyarzabal, who arrives with Real Sociedad carrying the same world champion status after scoring five goals during Spain’s unforgettable summer campaign.
Madrid wants to show Cucurella the affection and appreciation he deserves for playing such a key role in Spain’s triumph. He started every match at the World Cup and was unquestionably one of the standout performers for the eventual champions, who finished their remarkable run by lifting soccer’s most coveted prize.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to attend the ceremony from the directors’ box, as he previously did at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano and Athletic Club’s San Mamés. The World Cup trophy will be displayed on a pedestal before kickoff, and then, from the center circle, Cucurella as the home hero and Oyarzabal as a fellow champion will receive the gratitude and applause of the crowd for helping deliver an epic victory that sent millions of Spaniards pouring into the streets in celebration across the country.
To find the last World Cup champions’ tribute at the Bernabéu, you have to go back to 2010. On that occasion, however, the club’s contingent was much larger, featuring Iker Casillas, the captain who lifted the trophy in Johannesburg, along with Álvaro Arbeloa, Raúl Albiol, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.
A host of new faces join returning Mou
The Bernabéu will not only witness José Mourinho’s return 13 years later, it could also welcome all six of the club’s new signings together for the first time, the fresh faces supporters always enjoy seeing at the start of a new season. Alongside Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva, Ousmane Diomande and Carlos Espí will greet the Chamartín faithful. Espí, meanwhile, has become a new fan favorite after his goal in Cornellà.
And there is another treat in store for longtime supporters. After the match against Real Sociedad, the stadium sound system will play the club’s traditional anthem, the beloved Himno de las Mocitas Madrileñas. A fine initiative.
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