TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Chelsea and Spain defender Marc Cucurella has become one of football's most recognizable figures not only because of his performances on the pitch but also thanks to a catchy chant that follows him wherever he plays.
Originally created by Chelsea supporters, the song later gained worldwide attention during Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, becoming one of the tournament's biggest fan anthems. So, where did the chant come from, what do the lyrics mean, and why has it become so popular?
Cucu Cucurella Chant: What is the Meaning and Translation
- What Is the Marc Cucurella Song?
The Marc Cucurella song is a football chant dedicated to the Spanish left-back. It first emerged after his move to Chelsea in 2022 and is sung by both club and national team supporters.
The chant is based on the melody of La Bamba, the classic Mexican folk song popularized by Ritchie Valens, making it easy for large crowds to sing inside stadiums.
Its simple lyrics, references to Spanish culture, and humorous tone have helped turn it into one of football's most recognizable modern chants.
- How Did the Chant Begin?
According to Athlon Sports and cited by Yahoo Sports, Chelsea supporters created the original version shortly after Cucurella joined the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea Fans Created the Original Version
The chant begins with the line:
"Cucurella, Cucurella, he eats paella..."
The remaining lyrics playfully mention Estrella, a popular Spanish beer, and Cucurella's signature curly hair.
Although one lyric jokes that the defender "drinks Estrella," Cucurella has laughed about the chant, explaining that he does not actually drink beer. Nevertheless, he has embraced the song and often smiles when supporters sing it during matches.
The chant quickly became a favorite among Chelsea fans and soon accompanied the defender whenever he appeared at Stamford Bridge.
- How Did Spain Make the Chant Go Viral?
AOL reported that the chant reached a much wider audience during Spain's victorious UEFA Euro 2024 campaign.
Spanish content creator Adri Navarro introduced a new version featuring the now-famous lyric:
"Haaland, tiembla, que viene Cucurella."
The phrase translates into English as:
"Haaland, be afraid, here comes Cucurella."
The lyric humorously references Norway striker Erling Haaland, even though Norway did not qualify for Euro 2024.
Spanish supporters enthusiastically adopted the new version throughout the tournament, and videos of fans singing the chant after Spain's victories spread rapidly across TikTok, Instagram, and X, transforming it into an international football phenomenon.
- Why Has the Chant Become So Popular?
Several factors have contributed to the chant's popularity.
First, its melody is instantly recognizable because it borrows from La Bamba, making it easy for supporters to learn and sing. Second, the lyrics are playful rather than hostile, celebrating Cucurella through references to Spanish food, culture, and his distinctive hairstyle.
Spain's success at Euro 2024 further amplified the chant's popularity, while social media helped introduce it to football fans around the world.
Cucurella himself has also contributed to its appeal by embracing both the Chelsea and Spain versions. Rather than distancing himself from the song, the defender has frequently acknowledged supporters singing it, making the chant an enduring part of his identity for both club and country.
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