Luis de la Fuente turned 65 during this FIFA World Cup™ – although he likes to joke that he is only 55, and looks younger still. He has not always occupied the spotlight, however, as he does today. When he took charge of Spain’s senior national team in December 2022, he had already spent almost a decade working within the Spanish Football Association. Before coaching stars, he learned how to develop them.
In 2026, he is something of a father figure to the 26 players in his squad, a fitting description with Sunday also serving as Father's Day in the USA. But that paternal role began taking shape long before this World Cup.
De la Fuente’s journey through Spain’s national-team set-up started in 2013. Initially appointed to take charge of the U-19 side, he later managed the U-21s and the Olympic team before reaching the senior post. During that time, he closely oversaw the development of many of the players who now form the backbone of Spain’s national team.
Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Unai Simon are just some of the names who came through under his guidance as teenagers. Defender Jesus Vallejo, captain of several successful youth teams under De la Fuente, once summed up one of the coach’s greatest strengths by noting that he has known many of these players since they were 15 years old.
That familiarity has allowed De la Fuente to understand each player not only as a footballer, but as a person. Throughout his career, he has cultivated close relationships that extend well beyond tactical matters.
That side of his character remains visible even with the World Cup already under way. Before over Saudi Arabia in their second group-stage match, De la Fuente was asked about comparisons between Lamine Yamal – one of the leading lights of Spain’s new generation – and football icons such as Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. His answer was one of invoking the role of a parent.
“The biggest mistake would be to compare him to Messi or Maradona,” said De la Fuente. “He is still developing and has a long journey of maturity ahead of him. For us, and for himself, he is simply another member of the group, and that is a great strength.
“We have to help him if we want to enjoy watching him. The way to help him is to accompany him through that process of development, and those of us who are parents understand that. Without invading his space, but always being there alongside him.”
Yamal made his World Cup debut in Spain’s goalless draw with Cabo Verde before being handed a starting place against Saudi Arabia amid growing external pressure for the young winger to take centre stage. Inside the Spain camp, however, he had the patience and protection of De la Fuente.
Backed by his coach, Yamal opened the scoring against Saudi Arabia and helped turn Atlanta Stadium into a cauldron of noise.
“Doubting a generation this young seems unfair to me,” De la Fuente said afterwards, clearly satisfied with what he had seen. “I am an educator before a coach. You cannot speak to Lamine in the same way that you would speak to Jesus Navas.”
A family patriarch – that may be the best way to describe De la Fuente. As he turned 65 during the World Cup, the Spain coach spoke less about trophies and achievements than about the bond he shares with the players under his care. “My birthday wish is that I can continue enjoying life, my work and the good fortune I have. We are a family.”
Sources: FIFA Official
