Ex-teammates, colleagues hail De la Fuente as mastermind of Spain’s World Cup run

Luis de la Fuente's astute leadership and extensive experience within Spain's youth football system are being credited as pivotal to La Roja's impressive journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Spain's dominant 2-0 victory over France secured their place in the championship match, bringing them one step closer to a second World Cup title.

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He worked incredibly hard and never gave up; he’s earned everything he has achieved. To see him today, at the very top of Spanish football, is fantastic.

Since assuming the senior national team's reins in December 2022, De la Fuente has orchestrated a remarkable period of success. His tenure includes winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League title, the UEFA Euro 2024 crown, and reaching the 2025 Nations League final. These achievements underscore his tactical acumen and ability to build winning teams.

Former teammates, colleagues, and prominent figures in Spanish football emphasize that De la Fuente's success is a blend of his personal character and coaching expertise. Manolo Jimenez, a former teammate, described him as "a good person and a great colleague," highlighting De la Fuente's dedication to player development and self-improvement. Jimenez noted, "He worked incredibly hard and never gave up; he’s earned everything he has achieved."

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I discovered that he is an extraordinary person, someone with great character… When he was promoted to coach of the senior national team, we knew we were making the right decision and taking no unnecessary risks. I don’t think there was a better candidate for the job.

Former Spanish Football Association Vice-President Tito Blanco recalled being impressed by De la Fuente's character from their initial meetings, affirming the federation's confidence in promoting him to the senior national team. "I discovered that he is an extraordinary person, someone with great character… When he was promoted to coach of the senior national team, we knew we were making the right decision," Blanco stated.

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Luis is a master of managing a team: he understands how players tick, he knows how to guide them, and he senses who should start each match.

Santi Denia, Spain's Under-21 coach who worked with De la Fuente for 14 years, pointed to his deep understanding of players progressing through Spain's youth ranks as crucial for squad building. "Luis is a master of managing a team: he understands how players tick, he knows how to guide them, and he senses who should start each match," Denia said. De la Fuente's ability to manage a large team of 50 to 70 people, fostering a close-knit, familial atmosphere, has been vital for morale during intense tournaments like the World Cup.

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We’re not just talking about the players, but a team of 50 to 70 people. That’s not easy, and he’s truly mastered the skill of managing people.