Natalia Calvo highlights Marc Cucurella’s family as emotional strength

Psychologist Natalia Calvo, speaking to the magazine Lecturas, praised Chelsea left‑back Marc Cucurella (28) for drawing on his role as father and partner to bolster his mental health, noting his Instagram account @_claurodri where he and communicator Claudia Rodríguez share family moments. “Si un futbolista se define como padre, tiene más recursos emocionales,” she said.

Elite football often demands an almost impenetrable armour, where performance and results dominate public perception. Calvo’s recent contribution to Lecturas challenges that narrative by highlighting the human side of players.

She points to Cucurella as a prime example, arguing that his personal life, environment and family values act as a genuine protective shield for his mental wellbeing.

“Marc Cucurella shows a clear reality: before they are elite athletes, players remain people with responsibilities, concerns and affections beyond the pitch,” Calvo explained.

Family and autism bring visibility

Cucurella has openly disclosed that one of his children is autistic, using his platform to give visibility to many families facing similar challenges.

Calvo added that modern psychology understands a richer personal identity enhances a person’s capacity to cope with difficulties, turning family roles into emotional resources.

She concluded that when a footballer can define himself not only as a player but also as a father, partner, friend or son, he possesses greater emotional tools to navigate the inevitable highs and lows of a sporting career.