De la Fuente: Spain are a family

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 side 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 stars 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-side set-up started in 2013. Initially appointed to take charge of the U-19 side, he later managed the U-21s, as well as the Olympic side before reaching the senior post. During that time, he closely oversaw the development of many of the stars who now form the backbone of Spain’s national side.

Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, as well as Unai Simon are just some of the names who came through under his guidance as teenagers. Rearguard star Jesus Vallejo, leader of several successful youth sides under De la Fuente, once summed up one of the manager’s greatest strengths by noting that he has known many of these stars since they were 15 years old.

Meanwhile, that familiarity has allowed De la Fuente to understand each star 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 Spain’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their subsequent group-stage contest, 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, as well as 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,” commented De la Fuente. “He is still developing, as well as 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.”

As a result, 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 intensity for the young winger to take centre stage. Inside the Spain camp, however, he had the patience, as well as protection of De la Fuente.

Meanwhile, backed by his manager, Yamal opened the finding the net against Saudi Arabia, as well as helped turn Atlanta Arena into a cauldron of noise.

“Doubting a generation this young seems unfair to me,” De la Fuente commented afterwards, clearly satisfied with what he had seen. “I am an educator before a manager. 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 manager spoke less about trophies, as well as achievements than about the bond he shares with the stars under his care. “My birthday wish is that I can continue enjoying life, my work, as well as the good fortune I have. We are a family.”