Spain midfielder Marc Cucurella, who provided the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner against England in the Euro 2024 final, is hoping that a lucky charm — a pyjama top worn by his wife during that European triumph — will bring him similar fortune at the World Cup.
Cucurella's Lucky Charm
The 27-year-old Chelsea player enjoyed a stroke of luck throughout Euro 2024. Notably, no penalty was awarded when the ball struck his hand in the box during extra time in the quarter-final against Germany. Spain went on to score the winner in the 119th minute.
“I’ve got some key-rings that my children made for me,” Cucurella told Marca in an interview published on Saturday. “I’m also taking my wife’s pyjama top, which she wore when she was with me during the European Championship, and I’ve packed it in my suitcase again to see if it brings the same luck.”
Lucky Charms in Football
Lucky charms are not uncommon among soccer players. Argentina’s Lionel Messi famously wore a red ribbon around his left ankle during the last two World Cups. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in a record sixth World Cup alongside Messi, carries an old coin given to him by his grandfather.
Spain begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta.
