A product of the club’s prestigious La Fabrica academy, Cucalon joined Real Madrid in 2016 from Zaragoza and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually being promoted to the club’s Real Madrid C team, the highest non-professional squad.
The midfielder’s career came to an abrupt halt during his fourth UEFA Youth League match on September 6, 2022, when a tackle in a game against Celtic resulted in a severe knee injury.
Unfortunately, his recovery from the torn cruciate ligament did not progress as hoped, leading to his early retirement, as reported by RMC Sport.
Cucalon shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to announce his decision, expressing his gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey.
He reflected on his time at Real Madrid, stating, “I arrived as a child with a backpack full of dreams and I have been incredibly happy. However, my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, after that serious injury.”
Despite his relentless physical and mental efforts over the last two years, Cucalon was unable to fully recover. He admitted, “This is not a sad farewell; I have been privileged to be part of the best club in the world, and I’ve learned so much from the victories and defeats.”
The young player thanked his family, friends, and supporters, acknowledging the emotional and physical challenges he faced. He also mentioned that an operation on his knee had led to an infection that further damaged the cartilage in his joint, complicating his recovery.
Former Real Madrid player Álvaro Arbeloa, who coached Cucalon’s Juvenil A team, expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s hard not to think about the great player you were going to be, but we must always look to the future. Marc, you deserve the best, and we’ll always be here for you.”
