Why Marc Cucurella buried a coin in the grass before World Cup final as footage shows 'secret' act

Marc Cucurella's 'secret' act before the World Cup final has been revealed by a compatriot who did the same thing before the 2010 final.

Spain became world champions for the second time, replicating their success 16 years ago after Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the winner in extra time.

Enzo Fernandez was sent off for two silly yellow cards for Lionel Scaolini's side, who also had Leandro Paredes dismissed after the final whistle after he was spotted putting his hands on multiple Spain players in ugly scenes.

Cucurella, who is joining Real Madrid, had an excellent tournament which ended with he and his La Roja teammates becoming world champions after winning the European crown two years ago in Berlin.

READ MORE: Why Marc Cucurella wasn't sent off after covering mouth while speak Lionel Messi in World Cup final

And it's emerged that the Cucurella did something prior to the game in the hope of giving Spain a bit of good luck.

After sharing embraces with his colleagues Cucurella was filmed going to the touchline, appearing to take something out of his sock before placing it on the turf and messing with the grass.

However, it turns out that unusual superstition had a whole of meaning behind it.

🤫 Y AHORA OS CUENTO UN SECRETO...

⭐️ En 2010 enterré una moneda en el césped antes de comenzar el partido... Lo he contado millones de veces. Le pedí a @cucurella3 que hiciera lo mismo ayer... Marc, te quiero mucho. ¡ERES CAMPEÓN DEL MUNDO! pic.twitter.com/pPsSsf34FU

— Joan Capdevila (@capde11) July 20, 2026

The footage of Cucurella was shared by Joan Capdevila, Spain's left-back in 2008 and 2010 when they won the Euros and World Cup.

On X, the former Villarreal defender revealed that before the game in 2010 he buried in a coin in the grass and he encouraged Cucurella to do the same 16 years on.

He wrote: "2010 I buried a coin in the grass before starting the match... I've told it millions of times. I asked @cucurella3 to do the same yesterday... Marc, I love you so much. YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION!"

Spain World Cup winner allowed entry into the US after Donald Trump plea

Capdevila was in the stands for Spain's latest win and even posted a picture of him sat on the bench after game.

But he was initially refused entry into the United States after his ESTA was denied. That prompted Capdevila to put out a social media plea on X, tagging United States president Donald Trump

Capdevila wrote: "Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on.

"I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much. If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life."

It was reported that Capdevila's request to travel as rejected because he played an exhibition game in Iran, who were subjected to controversial treatment throughout the tournament in the US.

As per ESPN, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed to the Associated Press that they received a request for Capdevila to be allowed access and granted it.

He arrived on Sunday in time for the game and expressed his delight at being able to be present for Spain's second World Cup win.

He wrote: "HOW WASN'T IT WORTH IT... I DESERVED TO BE HERE WITH MY FAMILY ENJOYING THIS MOMENT, AND JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED. Thanks to everyone who pushed for this to be possible, thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart."