De la Fuente on being Spain's father figure at the World Cup

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente turned 65 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — though he jokes he is only 55 and looks younger. He has not always been in the spotlight, but his journey through Spain's national-team setup began in 2013, when he took charge of the U-19 side. He later managed the U-21s and the Olympic team before being appointed senior national team coach in December 2022.

A father figure on and off the pitch

De la Fuente 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 United States. That paternal role began taking shape long before this World Cup. During his decade within the Spanish Football Association, he closely oversaw the development of many 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: 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.

Protecting young talent

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 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 invoked 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.”

Family first

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.”