In today’s football world, it’s clear that players’ popularity isn’t just built on what they do on the pitch but also on how they connect with fans off it. A perfect example of this is Chelsea’s Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, who recently saw a big rise in his Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR) after making a talk show appearance in Spain. Suspended from Chelsea’s high-stakes game against Liverpool, Cucurella decided to engage with fans back home instead, moving up 48 spots in the GVPR to a current rank of 73 and adding 8,148 points.
Even though he couldn’t play for his club, Cucurella took the opportunity to connect with fans, giving them a glimpse into his personality and backstory. His appearance on La Revuelta, a popular Spanish talk show, likely contributed to his popularity boost, showing how getting closer to the person behind the player can make a big difference.
Fans today crave more than skillful plays—they want to know the personalities behind the jerseys. On La Revuelta, Cucurella was asked some fun but revealing questions, including one about his controversial handball during the Euros. He shared that he’d been nervous in that moment, afraid the ref would call a penalty, and joked about how he’d have become “the most hated player in Spain” if it had happened. That honesty struck a chord with fans, making him seem down-to-earth and relatable. Moments like these show fans that players have the same worries and fears, building a sense of connection that goes beyond club loyalty.
This kind of personal insight is why shows like All or Nothing are so popular—they let fans see who players really are, building stronger connections and loyalty. When athletes are open and authentic, it makes them more memorable, and fans feel a true bond with them.
Cucurella’s story shows how even a simple media appearance can give a player’s popularity a meaningful lift. Spanish fans may now feel an even closer bond with him, knowing more about the person beneath the jersey.
For players, off-field engagement is proving just as valuable as matchday moments in the Goalden View Popularity Ranking. With the lines between football and media blending more and more, players who embrace the spotlight both on and off the field find unique ways to build lasting loyalty among fans.