Rare injury forces Real Madrid wonderkid tipped to be next Xabi Alonso to retire at just 19
Promising Real Madrid talent Marc Cucalon, touted as one of the club’s best prospects, has been forced to hang up his boots following a serious injury.
The midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL) during a UEFA Youth League win against Celtic in September 2022 and has since struggled to retain fitness since due to rare complications.
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ACL injuries have plagued many sports but in recent years many notable football players have suffered at the hands of the tear.
Eder Militao being the most recent last weekend against Osasuna, tearing the ACL in his right knee the season after he tore the same ligament in his left knee.
Notable players such as teammate Dani Carvajal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Rodri have also fallen to similar fates this campaign.
A player who has suffered an ACL injury, despite its complications, can return to the top level of football but for Cucalon it was different.
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However, during Cucalon's surgery bacteria entered his body leading to a rare and painful infection that damaged the cartilage in his knee.
For two years he battled to overcome the major setback undergoing several treatments but he was unable to come out on top.
On social media he announced his decision to retire at just 19.
The post read: “I arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2016 as a kid with a backpack full of dreams and I was very, very happy.
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“And the truth [is] that my life changed completely on 6 September 2022, when I was seriously injured. After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say goodbye to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of.
“For these past two years I have struggled physically and mentally with all my might and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover from it.
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“Don't get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all. After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I’ve learned and matured as a person and as a player.
“I carry with me for the rest of my life the values that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every triumph and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever.”
Cucalon was scouted from Real Zaragoza aged 11 in 2016 and was quick to impress drawing comparisons to now Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso.
Former Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who coached the 19-year-old said: “You don't know how many times this game comes to mind.
“It's hard for me not to think about the huge player you were going to be (and already were), but you always have to look to the future. You know it better than anyone, you deserve the best, Marc, we will always be there for whatever you need.”
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