At the Spanish football federation’s base in Las Rozas, two classrooms are adorned with images of every player who has donned the national team jersey. Over 800 men grace the walls, their frames extending into the hallways, yet the coach guiding them to the World Cup is absent. Luis de la Fuente’s international playing career reached only the under-21 level, leaving his portrait absent from this tribute. He playfully reminisces, claiming, “I used to have hair like this,” while gesturing to his former locks. However, he is intimately familiar with this space, having both taught and learned here, watching many of his students achieve remarkable feats.
Now, the triumphant coach of the 2024 European Championship team finds comfort on a sofa in a nearby room, preparing for the imminent journey to Chattanooga with his squad. As the excitement builds in these final days before departure, players have begun to arrive: 20 on the first day, followed by Pedro Porro, Yéremy Pino, Mikel Merino, and those who participated in the Champions League final. With a sense of joy, he declares, “I’m so happy to be going to a World Cup,” also acknowledging the pride swelling within him.
In Budapest, not only were Fabián Ruiz, David Raya, and Martín Zubimendi representing Spain, but also their esteemed managers: Luis Enrique, De la Fuente’s predecessor, and Mikel Arteta. Just three days prior, Iñigo Pérez led Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final, while Unai Emery lifted the Europa League trophy the week before. Pep Guardiola bid farewell, having left an indelible mark as perhaps the most influential manager in Premier League history, and Xabi Alonso received an appointment at Chelsea, with Andoni Iraola taking the helm at Liverpool. De la Fuente contends, “This isn’t just coincidence.”
“This is a long-established process; finally, it seems that people are beginning to recognize it,” he asserts. “Such recognition should have come long ago. While trophies make the achievements more apparent, the underlying development, structure, and efforts by coaching institutions at regional and national levels have always set a benchmark for others.”
De la Fuente has witnessed a legacy both given and received, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment beyond mere victories. While not all successful coaches emerged from this institution, Spain’s unique footballing culture undeniably influenced their paths, a philosophy that the national team coach holds dear. Among those captured in these photographs are Iraola and Alonso, as well as Lionel Scaloni, who now coaches this summer’s defending champion Argentina, alongside many others. De la Fuente’s role as a mentor has significantly shaped these coaches, just as his experiences with Spain’s under-19s and under-21s inform his current position.
From 2017, De la Fuente stood at the forefront, teaching two subjects on the federation’s UEFA pro license coaching course: the evolution of football and team dynamics, facing familiar faces among his students. In the front row, seated beside Montse Tomé, who assisted during Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory, was Scaloni. Joan Capdevila, known for his humor, occupied the back row.
“It felt like being back at school: the students at the front and those in the back,” De la Fuente recalls. He fondly remembers Capdevila’s humor, “Always ready with a quip,” and Scaloni’s spirited participation. Every name mentioned sparks joy in his eyes, as he lists others: “Laura del Río beside Leo and 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 would be easy to claim Scaloni stood out, but there were many who possessed something unique. Their inquisitiveness and willingness to challenge you were remarkable: ‘I don’t see it.’ Scaloni was always ready to debate. Our journeys parallel each other; he started with the under-20s, advanced to the senior squad, and achieved greatness. The pressure he faced with Argentina was immense, but I relate to Leo due to our shared experiences and how he handles challenges—calmly and without exaggeration.”
Within just six years, both teacher and student would emerge as champions of Europe and South America, respectively. Although they were meant to reunite at the Finalissima in Qatar in March, war caused a delay. Efforts to find alternatives fell short. “Two teams can’t play if one is unwilling; we were eager to compete,” De la Fuente reflects. “It was unfortunate. I believe politics won’t hinder this summer; football can unite people from all backgrounds. I would love to see Leo at the World Cup and embrace him.”
The reigning champions face off against the favorites, and it all began here. “Who could have anticipated this?” De la Fuente muses. He began his significant senior coaching journey past the age of 60, after dedicating a decade to Spain’s youth setup. Scaloni, just 40 when he took on the senior role, had no club experience. “Life presents these opportunities. Nothing was handed to us; it’s all about hard work.”
Without his students, De la Fuente believes he might not be in this position. “They provided me with fresh perspectives and vitality. For me, this is a continuous learning process. Teaching has always fascinated me; I conducted courses in Bilbao and Sevilla and was involved with the federation. I relish discussing football, and having the chance to engage with individuals like Xabi, Xavi, Raúl, and Scaloni was invaluable. It created a rich exchange of ideas among 30 participants. The feedback and expectations they had of me as an instructor made me walk into class feeling anxious but leave feeling improved. This dynamic mirrors life itself; learning happens constantly. I learned to simplify and adopt a more pragmatic approach.”
“Ultimately, athletic achievements are fleeting. Yet, I cherish the teachings of my mentors. When I joined the RFEF [federation], I recognized it was my responsibility to nurture talent.”
De la Fuente pauses briefly to request his glasses, placed on the table before him. “Could you pass my glasses please? … thank you,” he politely asks. “Players notice when the manager expresses gratitude. It’s about instilling values and principles. There are standards to uphold. My connections with many of our players date back long before their senior appearances: Álvaro [Morata], Dani [Carvajal], Unai Simón, Fabián, Rodrigo, [Marc] Cucurella, Mikel Merino, [Mikel] Oyarzabal … In that regard, I am more than just a coach.”
“In a team, selfishness cannot exist; the relationships among players provide strength. We consistently refer to the squad as a ‘family,’ and players naturally adopt this mentality. We never instructed them to; it simply occurs. The strongest resemblance I see to the Spain team that triumphed in 2010, which is the challenge before us now, lies in that unity. I have spoken with Vicente del Bosque [the coach at that time], and he shares insights that resonate with my current perspective.”
Few instances highlight the nurturing role more than that of Lamine Yamal, called up to la selección at the age of 16, finishing his exams while representing his country. Now, at 18, he arrives at the World Cup, perhaps as the best player globally, facing immense expectations. This is particularly daunting as he has been sidelined since April due to a torn hamstring; he expressed that he had “prayed” it wasn’t serious, fearing he might miss the opportunity.
“He’s recovering rapidly, achieving all targets ahead of schedule,” De la Fuente states. “I believe he’ll be ready for the opening match, but that doesn’t guarantee he will play. We’ll assess whether he should participate minimally, sit out, or prepare for the second game.” He gestures toward Javier López Vallejo, the team’s psychologist, seated to his left. “This gentleman is invaluable,” he notes.
Equally significant is the team dynamic, which De la Fuente emphasizes begins with respect. “It’s essential to have individuals who don’t allow egos or conflicts. Given a choice between a talented player with a poor character and a good person, I would always choose the latter. The younger players gain wisdom from the veterans, while the veterans benefit from the energy of youth. The experienced players bear the responsibility for conduct: ‘That’s not how we do things.’ If trust exists, they can speak up; otherwise, the response might be defensive: ‘Who are you to tell me that?’”
“Lamine was born for this. He possesses a bold spirit. This pressure might overwhelm others, but these individuals are extraordinary. We often ponder why certain players who showed promise never made it. Success in football requires not only skill but also countless other qualities. Lamine, at 16 during the Euros and now 18, manages intense media scrutiny with remarkable composure. A single mistake can draw excessive attention; that’s unjust. Behind the scenes, there are hours spent with physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and coaches; it’s about dedication and values.”
“Footballers are highly intelligent individuals, often geniuses. Only a select few possess that extraordinary talent, like Lamine or Messi.”
Whether touched by divine inspiration or simply fortunate, Lamine’s baby photo, where he is being baptized by Messi, has become famous. De la Fuente chuckles, “Perhaps Messi has blessed many children,” he muses. “Maybe it’s just coincidence. But for those of us with faith, we believe that ‘chance’ is merely God’s way of remaining anonymous. I think everything occurs for a purpose.”
Is Lamine Yamal the heir to Messi’s legacy? “Messi is an enormous name to invoke. Messi has been, is, and will always be … he embodies football.”
Who does he consider the greatest player? “I have always admired Johan Cruyff. Being on the same pitch as [Diego] Maradona was surreal. Those were different times; it was a brutal environment, with players facing harsh realities. However, I recognize that Messi, like Cristiano [Ronaldo], is phenomenal. I’m not suggesting it’s easier now, but the game has evolved; the fields, habits, and equipment have changed. Cruyff would still be Cruyff today, still marvelous. Could we compete in today’s game? Absolutely. Could these current players thrive in our era? Probably not. We trained relentlessly, running uphill for hours and then back down.”
De la Fuente laughs, reflecting on the evolution of football. “On Fridays, we feasted on beans or T-bones. After practice, the entire [Athletic Bilbao] team would gather at the bar near Lezama for drinks and a hearty meal. We would take a siesta and play again the next day. There’s a lot of ‘literature’ around football now, and forgive me if this isn’t popular, but I maintain a classic approach to coaching. Yet, we must adapt and evolve. I haven’t always had the tools to implement my ideas, but with experience, I have gained clarity. Learning is a lifelong endeavor; if you don’t embrace that, you’re making a mistake.”
