Marc Cucurella, Spain's World Cup winner, on his son's autism: 'Sometimes I don't know how we can help him'

Marc Cucurella, fresh off a transfer to Real Madrid and a World Cup victory with the Spanish national team, has opened up about a deeply personal topic: his eldest son Mateo's autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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It is the first time I speak about this and for me it is very difficult. It hurts me, because sometimes I don't know how we can help him, especially when he is unwell. But I am happy to be here.

In an interview with a YouTube channel hosted by Pau Brunet, a Spanish child with autism, Cucurella became visibly emotional as he discussed the challenges and joys of raising his son. He admitted it was the first time he had spoken about the condition in such detail, describing it as "very difficult" and something that causes him pain.

Cucurella recounted early signs he initially misinterpreted, such as Mateo's hand-flapping when listening to music, which they thought was dancing, and his reluctance to enter unfamiliar places. He also noted that photos from Mateo's daycare often showed him isolated from other children.

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It is difficult because people have little empathy. In the end, they are equal people, who have particular things. If we were all the same, it would be boring.

Despite the difficulties, Cucurella emphasized the importance of family support and expressed pride in his son. He called for greater societal empathy, stating that people with autism are equal to others and that their unique qualities make the world interesting. He also pointed to the many successful individuals, including athletes, actors, and entrepreneurs, who have autism.

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We are proud that our son has autism.