Cucurella Chant: How a Fan Anthem Went Global During Euro 2024

A football chant dedicated to Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has become a global phenomenon, resonating with fans far beyond his club, Chelsea, and the Spanish national team.

The "Cucurella, Cucurella, he eats paella..." chant, set to the familiar tune of the Mexican folk song "La Bamba," first emerged among Chelsea supporters after Cucurella's 2022 transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion. Its simple, playful lyrics, which humorously reference Spanish culture, a popular beer, and Cucurella's distinctive curly hair, quickly made it a stadium favorite.

However, the chant catapulted to international fame during Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. A Spanish content creator introduced a new version featuring the line, "Haaland, be afraid, here comes Cucurella." This playful jab at Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, despite Norway's absence from the tournament, resonated widely. Videos of Spanish fans singing the updated anthem after victories flooded social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, transforming it into an international football sensation.

Despite the lyric joking that Cucurella "drinks Estrella," the player himself has embraced the song, even admitting he doesn't drink beer. The chant's success is attributed to its recognizable melody, easy-to-sing lyrics, and celebratory, non-hostile tone, making it a unifying and enjoyable anthem for football fans worldwide.