Family first: Marc Cucurella prioritizes autistic son’s special care in blockbuster move to Real Madrid
Marc Cucurella has officially completed his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, but the Spanish left-back has made it clear that football was not the primary driver of this decision. Instead, the move back to Spain was entirely motivated by the developmental needs of his six-year-old autistic son, Mateo. While public speculation focused heavily on wages, sporting prestige, and team tactics, Cucurella’s choice was first and foremost a family-first decision aimed at securing specialized medical and educational infrastructure in Madrid.
In a candid interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the Euro finalist explained that the choice of his next club was severely restricted by his son’s requirements. Mateo, who is on the autism spectrum, requires highly tailored support and therapeutic services that are not universally available. Cucurella noted that before discussing contracts or pitch roles with potential clubs, his family meticulously researched the local schools and treatment centers in each city.
“We were never going to sign with a team where there weren’t appropriate schools, or where we couldn’t guarantee the exact conditions our son needs to adapt,” Cucurella stated openly. “There were other teams interested in signing me, but our search always started with whether there were specialized schools and therapies for Mateo. That is the most important thing for us. Fortunately, Madrid has absolutely everything we need, and we are going to be very well taken care of there.”
This unwavering priority is the direct result of difficult experiences during Cucurella’s career in England. In his interview, the defender shared the emotional difficulties the family faced when Mateo was enrolled in standard, non-specialized English schools. Because he was young and unable to adapt to mainstream education, Mateo struggled heavily with daily life.
“When we went to England, he attended common schools and did not adapt well at all,” Cucurella explained. “He was so small and stayed very confused. He wasn’t happy, and he would cry constantly. It affects you deeply as a parent when your child is unhappy.”
The persistent challenges of managing a child’s distress in an unfamiliar environment convinced Cucurella that any future career moves had to be built around Mateo’s educational and therapeutic stability. The Spanish capital, being a major metropolitan hub, offers an abundance of world-class specialized schools, therapy centers, and experienced professionals, making it the perfect destination for the family’s long-term peace of mind.
While a transfer to Real Madrid is a monumental sporting achievement, Cucurella’s explanation strips away the typical glamour associated with modern football transfers. His decision highlights the personal compromises and real-life responsibilities that elite athletes face behind the scenes. Ultimately, Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid is less about conquering European football and more about providing a stable, supportive environment where his son can finally thrive.
