Making Spain World Champion Luis de la Fuente's career and his traces in Chile

Spanish Football Federation head coach Luis de la Fuente reached the peak of his career by winning his first World Cup at the age of 65. Defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, Spain declared its championship following this historic victory. Along with this success, the champion coach of the UEFA European Championship 2024 wrote his name among the best coaches in the world.

De la Fuente's football journey started in the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao. Making his first appearance for the first team as a left-back in March 1981, the experienced figure crowned his on-pitch success by winning two league titles, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup. Later wearing the Sevilla and Alavés jerseys, the experienced manager ended his active football career in 1994.

In his managerial career, de la Fuente, who started with teams in lower leagues and went through tough years, experienced a transformation when he joined the Spanish Football Federation youth system in May 2013. Following Luis Enrique's departure, he was appointed as the head coach of the Spain National Team in December 2022 and led his team to the 2022/23 Nations League, Euro 2024, and finally the 2026 World Cup victories. Additionally, during a tour of Chile with Sevilla in his youth, he was present in the country with a match played in Talcahuano in May 1990.