Spain international Marc Cucurella has disclosed a unique personal superstition he hopes will propel his nation to World Cup glory, following their recent triumph at Euro 2024. The Chelsea midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Spain's European Championship win, including assisting the late winner against England in the final, revealed he will be packing his wife's pyjama top in his suitcase for the upcoming tournament.
The 27-year-old’s belief in the garment stems from its perceived influence during Euro 2024, where Spain enjoyed a run of favourable circumstances. Notably, during the quarter-final clash against Germany, a handball incident involving Cucurella in the penalty area went unpunished, with Spain subsequently scoring the decisive goal in the 119th minute. This stroke of luck, among others, contributed to their eventual success over France in the semi-finals and England in the final.
Speaking to Marca, Cucurella explained his rationale: "I’ve got some key-rings that my children made for me. 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." This unusual charm joins other common footballing superstitions, such as Lionel Messi's red ribbon or Cristiano Ronaldo's old coin.
Spain, who last won the World Cup in 2010, will kick off their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta. They will then face Saudi Arabia before concluding their group stage fixtures against Uruguay. The team will be looking to significantly improve on their recent World Cup performances, having been eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and the round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022. Concerns over the fitness of young star Lamine Yamal ahead of their opening game add another layer of challenge.
The emphasis on such personal rituals highlights the immense pressure and desire for success felt by players at the highest level of international football. While the pyjama top's actual impact remains to be seen, Cucurella's faith in his lucky charm underscores the psychological aspects that often accompany elite sporting competition.