Situated on the ground floor of the Spanish Football Federation’s headquarters in Las Rozas, two classrooms display a gallery of portraits showcasing every player who has donned the national jersey. Over 800 individuals are immortalized in these frames, yet the coach who led them to World Cup glory, Luis de la Fuente, remains absent from this esteemed collection. Acknowledging his lack of international playing experience, which peaked at the under-21 level, he humorously remarks, “I used to have hair like this,” while gesturing to his image in the past. Nonetheless, he is no stranger to this venue, having both taught and learned, witnessing many of his students rise to fame.
De la Fuente, the mastermind behind Spain’s success at the 2024 European Championship, relaxes on a couch in a nearby room. With his squad finalized, he enjoys the last few hours before their departure to Chattanooga. Excitement permeates the atmosphere as players begin arriving—20 on the first day, followed by Pedro Porro the next day, then Yéremy Pino, culminating with Mikel Merino and others who participated in the Champions League final. He reflects, “I’m thrilled to be heading to a World Cup,” conveying both his excitement and pride.
Among those present in Budapest were not only players such as Fabián Ruiz, David Raya, and Martín Zubimendi, but also notable managers like Luis Enrique, the previous coach, and Mikel Arteta. Just days earlier, Iñigo Pérez led Rayo Vallecano into the Conference League final, while Unai Emery lifted the Europa League trophy the week prior. Pep Guardiola has departed, leaving a legacy that may define him as the most influential coach in Premier League history, while Xabi Alonso has recently taken charge at Chelsea, and Andoni Iraola is now at Liverpool. De la Fuente suggests that these developments are not mere coincidences.
“This ongoing process seems to finally be gaining the recognition it deserves,” he states. “Such acknowledgment should have come much sooner. While trophies make the achievements evident, the advancements, frameworks, and coaching methodologies within both regional and national federations have always set a standard for all.”
Having observed the transformation of Spain’s football landscape, de la Fuente finds satisfaction that extends beyond simple victories. Although not every successful coach hails from this background, a significant influence has molded their growth—an ethos he wholeheartedly embraces as the national team’s leader. Coaches like Iraola and Alonso began their careers among those portraits; Lionel Scaloni, who guided Argentina to this summer’s championship title, is also part of this legacy. De la Fuente played a crucial role in their development, mentoring future coaches while drawing from his own experiences, a role he continued with Spain’s under-19 and under-21 squads.
Since 2017, he dedicated three years to leading classes, where familiar faces returned, more recognizable than in his earlier days. While coaching junior teams, he taught two subjects in the federation’s UEFA pro license coaching course: the evolution of football and team dynamics. His students included Scaloni, who occupied the front row next to Montse Tomé, an assistant coach during Spain’s 2023 World Cup victory, and the humorously known Joan Capdevila.
“It felt just like a classroom: the eager students at the front and the relaxed ones at the back,” de la Fuente reminisces. Capdevila’s humor was memorable, “always ready with a joke,” and Scaloni left a lasting impression. He recalls each student vividly, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he lists names. “Laura del Río was there with Leo, Montse, Xavi Hernández, Raúl, Victor Valdés, Albert Riera, Xabi, Xabi’s brother Mikel, Alessio Lisci, Mauro Silva, Walter Pandiani, Javier Saviola, Pablo Amo, who later became my assistant, Andoni, Gica Craioveanu, Manuel Pablo…”
“It’s tempting to single out Scaloni as extraordinary, but many displayed a unique spark. Their eagerness to challenge was clear: ‘I don’t see it.’ Scaloni was always willing to engage in debate, and our journeys resonate. He started with the under-20s, moved to the senior team, and achieved remarkable success. We both faced immense pressure to win—constantly. What he accomplished with Argentina is significant, and I connect with him due to our shared experiences and worldviews.”
Within a span of six years, both teacher and student would emerge as champions—European and South American, respectively. Their planned reunion at the Finalissima in Qatar in March was disrupted by war, leading them to explore alternative arrangements that proved unsuccessful. De la Fuente expresses his disappointment, stating, “Two can’t play if one doesn’t want to; we were eager to compete.” He remains hopeful, “I don’t believe politics will impede the upcoming summer; football has the unique ability to bring people together. It would be wonderful to see Leo at the World Cup and share a hug.”
The current champions are slated to face the favorites, and it all began here. “Who would have imagined?” de la Fuente reflects. At over 60, he assumed his first significant senior role after dedicating a decade to youth development. Scaloni, at 40, was thrust into the senior squad without prior club experience. “Life presents these moments. Nothing came easily; it has always been about effort, effort, and more effort…”
De la Fuente credits his students for reshaping his current outlook. “They have provided me with fresh perspectives and energy. For me, teaching is a continuous journey of learning. I’ve always cherished it, having attended courses in Bilbao and Sevilla and worked at the federation. I love discussing football, and when you get the chance to converse with Xabi, Xavi, Raúl, or Scaloni, it’s invaluable. It evolves into a mutual exchange of knowledge—30 individuals in the room. That constant feedback and the expectations they have of me made every class enriching. This is about more than just football; it encompasses life: you are always learning. I’ve learned to simplify concepts and adopt a more practical approach.
“Ultimately, sporting achievements are fleeting. Yet, I hold fond memories of my mentors… When I started at the RFEF [federation], I felt a responsibility to cultivate talent.”
De la Fuente pauses to reach for his glasses. “Could you hand me my glasses, please? …Thank you,” he says, noting how players appreciate a courteous manager. “It’s about instilling values and principles; everything has its place. I’ve had connections with many players long before they joined the senior squad: Álvaro [Morata], Dani [Carvajal], Unai Simón, Fabian, Rodrigo, [Marc] Cucurella, Mikel Merino, [Mikel] Oyarzabal… In that regard, I’m more than just a coach.”
“In a team environment, there must be no selfishness; that human connection is essential. We often refer to our squad as a ‘family’, and players naturally adopt this mindset. We never instructed them to do so; it simply developed organically. The closest resemblance I see to the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup—which is the challenge before us now—lies in that sense of unity. I’ve spoken with Vicente del Bosque [the coach from that time], and his insights resonate with our current philosophy.”
A notable example of his mentoring is Lamine Yamal, who received a call-up to la selección at just 16 while still managing school exams. He arrives at the World Cup as potentially the best young player globally, carrying substantial expectations, especially after being sidelined since April due to a torn hamstring. He shared his fears of missing out, having “prayed” for a positive diagnosis.
“He’s recovering quickly, meeting all his recovery targets ahead of schedule,” de la Fuente observes. “I believe he’ll be ready for the first match, but that doesn’t guarantee it. We’ll evaluate whether he should play a little or wait for the second game.” He gestures towards Javier López Vallejo, the team’s psychologist, seated nearby. “This gentleman is vital,” he emphasizes.
The surrounding group is equally important, starting with respect. “We seek individuals who suppress ego and conflicts. Given the choice between a talented player with a poor attitude and a decent player with good character, my decision is clear. The younger players learn from the older ones’ experiences, while the veterans draw energy from the youth. The responsibility for behavior lies with the veterans: ‘That’s not how we conduct ourselves.’ If trust exists, you can assert that; otherwise, the response might be, ‘Who are you to tell me that?’
“Lamine was born for this role. He has a strong character. Perhaps the pressure would have overwhelmed someone like me. However, these players are exceptional. Many times, we’ve questioned former players, ‘What happened to them? Why didn’t they succeed?’ Success requires not only footballing talent but also a multitude of other qualities. Lamine was only 16 during the Euros and is now 18; he faces immense media scrutiny and makes remarkably few mistakes. Just one slip, and the spotlight shifts; it’s unfair. He dedicates countless hours with physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and coaches… it’s about commitment and values.
“Footballers are incredibly capable and intelligent individuals. They are geniuses, and only a select few possess that rare spark. Lamine and Messi fall into that category…”
Whether by divine intervention or sheer luck, Lamine’s baby photo famously depicts him being baptized by Messi. De la Fuente chuckles, “Perhaps Messi has done this for many children. Maybe it’s mere coincidence. Yet, for those of us with faith, we see ‘chance’ as a term for God when He prefers to remain anonymous. I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Is Lamine Yamal destined to succeed Messi? “Messi is a monumental figure. He has been, is, and will always be… he epitomizes football.”
Who is the best player he has ever witnessed? “I’ve always had a fondness for Johan Cruyff. Experiencing [Diego] Maradona on the pitch was surreal: ‘What is this?’ It was madness. Those were different eras. People cannot fathom how intense it was: players were relentlessly pursued. I acknowledge that Messi, along with Cristiano [Ronaldo], is… extraordinary. I’m not implying it’s easier now, but the game has evolved: pitches, habits, equipment. Cruyff would still be Cruyff today, still remarkable. Could we play now? Absolutely. Could these players excel back then? No. We would run uphill for an hour, then downhill for an hour.”
De la Fuente laughs, reflecting on the evolution of football. “Back in the day, we’d feast on beans or a steak. After training, the entire [Athletic Bilbao] squad would gather at a bar by Lezama: beer, wine, tortillas, peppers, the works. We’d siesta and play the following day. There’s a wealth of ‘literature’ around now, and forgive me, I might not be the most literary person, but I hold a classic view of football. Nevertheless, everything evolves, and so do we. I didn’t always have the means to execute my ideas. With experience, clarity has come. You’re perpetually learning; if you don’t embrace that mindset, you’re making a mistake.
