Rafael Nadal lends his voice as Luis de la Fuente reveals final 26-member Spain Euro 2024 squad

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal added a touch of star power with his voice as manager Luis de la Fuente unveiled the final 26-member Spain squad for Euro 2024 in a press release on Friday. The European Championship, set to take place in Germany, will kick off on June 14. De la Fuente made some notable exclusions, leaving out Barcelona’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi, along with midfielders Marcos Llorente and Aleix Garcia.

Pau Cubarsi axed from Spain Euro 2024 squad

Despite Cubarsi’s impressive season in La Liga, where his consistency and ball-playing skills stood out, he didn’t make the cut. Instead, De la Fuente opted for more experienced centre-backs like Robin Le Normand, Nacho Fernandez, Aymeric Laporte, and Dani Vivian.

🥹 Papá, amigo, nieto, hermano, marido… Tengo algo importante que decirte: 𝗩𝗔𝗦 𝗔 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗔 #EURO2024.

Esta es la lista definitiva de España para la @EURO2024 y no hay mejor narrador para este vídeo que alguien que sabe MUCHO de GANAR: @RafaelNadal.#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/j9AytBlxYM
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 7, 2024

A surprising inclusion in the squad is former Newcastle United and Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez. At 30, he made a remarkable international debut, contributing a goal and an assist in Spain’s 5-0 friendly win over Andorra on Wednesday. His performance earned him a spot among the eight attackers travelling to Germany.

The squad also features key players such as Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. Additionally, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has been selected, and both Fermin Lopez and Ayoze Perez will experience their first major tournament with La Roja. De la Fuente’s choices reflect a blend of youthful talent and seasoned experience, aiming to make a strong impact at Euro 2024.

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26-member Spain Euro 2024 squad

Goalkeepers: Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), David Raya (Arsenal on loan from Brentford), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Nacho (Real Madrid), Cucarella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Fermin (Barcelona)

Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Joselu (Real Madrid on loan from Espanyol), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Williams Jr (Athletic Bilbao)

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