Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has jokingly challenged defender Marc Cucurella to get a tattoo of his face, after the Spaniard paid an unusual tribute to Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

Cucurella made the revelation during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, where he discussed the tattoo he got in honour of De la Fuente after Spain’s triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Before the tournament, the 28-year-old had promised to permanently honour the Spanish national team coach if Spain won the competition. He fulfilled that promise after the country secured the World Cup title in July.

Speaking about the decision, Cucurella insisted that he had no regrets about getting the tattoo.

“I don’t regret it, honestly,” the defender said.

However, the conversation took a humorous turn when he revealed that Mourinho had also expressed interest in receiving a similar tribute.

According to Cucurella, the Portuguese manager personally sent him an edited photograph showing what his chest would look like with Mourinho’s face tattooed on it.

“I remember Mourinho sent me a photo with my chest and his face tattooed on it,” he revealed.

The revelation has generated amusement among football followers, particularly given Mourinho’s reputation for his confidence, humour and distinctive personality.

Cucurella’s unusual promises after Spain victories

This is not the first time Cucurella has made an unusual commitment to celebrate Spain’s success.

Following the country’s victory at Euro 2024, the left-back fulfilled a promise to dye his distinctive curly hair red.

His latest tribute to De la Fuente followed a similar pattern, demonstrating his willingness to turn football celebrations into personal commitments.

Cucurella praises Mourinho’s personality

Beyond the tattoo joke, Cucurella has also spoken positively about Mourinho’s personality and management approach.

The defender described the Portuguese tactician as approachable and someone who communicates his instructions clearly.

He also highlighted Mourinho’s ability to deliver concise team talks, explaining that the manager does not need lengthy speeches to get his message across to players.

Mourinho’s playful suggestion has added another amusing moment to his relationship with Cucurella, although it remains unclear whether the Real Madrid defender will ever agree to permanently ink his manager’s face on his body.

For now, De la Fuente remains the only football manager to have received such a permanent tribute from the Spanish defender.