Why is Marc Cucurella being booed during the UEFA Nations League Final between Spain and Portugal?

Spain and Portugal squared off in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final in a high-stakes clash at the Allianz Arena. But while both teams fought for the title, a surprising subplot emerged: Spanish defender Marc Cucurella was met with constant boos from the crowd, prompting questions about why the Chelsea fullback had become a target.

Though Germany wasn’t playing in the final, the match took place on German soil, and local fans made their feelings toward Cucurella loud and clear. The jeers stem from a controversial moment during the last European Championship, which remains fresh in the minds of many German supporters.

In the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, Germany was eliminated by Spain in a dramatic and contentious match. With the score tied 1–1 in extra time, Jamal Musiala fired a shot that clearly struck Cucurella’s arm inside the penalty box.

German players immediately appealed for a penalty, but English referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, deciding against awarding the spot kick. The decision drew widespread criticism in Germany, and Cucurella became a symbol of that bitter exit.

German fans present in final between Spain and Portugal

Though the final featured Spain and Portugal, German fans showed up in large numbers to the Allianz Arena, having watched their national team lose the third-place match to France earlier in the day.

Blended into the crowd, German supporters didn’t hesitate to make their voices heard. Every time Cucurella touched the ball, a chorus of whistles and boos rang out across the stadium. More than a year after the controversial no-call, the resentment clearly hasn’t faded.