For years, Mark Cucurella's long, curly hair has been the subject of ridicule and comments on social media, but behind this look that has become his trademark lies a touching human story that many do not know.
The Spanish defender revealed that his eldest son, Mateo, has autism, and that he makes sure to keep his hair long and flowing because his son can easily distinguish him from other players during matches, which gives him a sense of security and reassurance.
In one of his touching statements, Kokorela said: "I have a son with autism. I wish I had no money so that he could be healthy. I keep my hair long because he loves it, and even if one day he forgets me, he will still be able to recognize me."
This was not the first time Cucurella had spoken about his family's struggles. In the documentary Married to the Game, he appeared emotional as he spoke about the journey of discovering Mateo's autism diagnosis, revealing that the first few months were among the most difficult periods of his and his partner Claudia Rodriguez's lives, and that they would return home in tears after trying to find the right support for their son.
The Spanish defender explained that his son’s diagnosis completely changed his priorities, to the point that choosing the right school and appropriate treatment became more important than any decision related to his football career, stressing that every step Mateo takes in his life gives him happiness that surpasses any title or achievement on the green field.
During the 2026 World Cup, a touching video circulated of a young boy with autism offering Cucurella advice on how to make his son happy. The player listened carefully to every word, taking notes, before being overcome with emotion and saying:
The story of Cucurella reminds us that what may seem to some to be merely a "hairstyle," to another may be a promise of reassurance and a message of love that needs no words. Ultimately, behind every player lies a story unseen from the stands.
