Luis de la Fuente was born on June 21, 1961 in Haro, Spain. From a young age, he showed a passion for football and began playing for local youth teams in his hometown. His talent on the field quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he was soon recruited to join the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao at the age of 15.
De la Fuente signed his first professional contract with Athletic Bilbao in 1978, marking the beginning of his 16-year career as a left back. He made his official club debut on March 8, 1981 in a match against Valencia CF.
Throughout his career, de la Fuente played in a total of 348 matches for various clubs in Spain. Known for his agility and defensive skills, he quickly became a fan favorite and earned a reputation as one of the best left backs in the country.
After retiring as a player, de la Fuente transitioned to coaching and eventually became the head coach of the Spanish men's national team in December 2022. Under his leadership, the team achieved great success, including winning the silver medal at the 2020 Olympics.
As a coach, de la Fuente is known for his tactical prowess and ability to motivate and inspire his players. He has a deep understanding of the game and is able to adapt his strategies to suit the strengths and weaknesses of his team.
One of his most notable achievements as a coach was guiding the Spanish national team to a successful campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His partnership with players like Jordi Alba was instrumental in the team's success, earning praise from fans and critics alike.
Despite his busy schedule as a coach, de la Fuente always makes time for his family. He credits them for providing him with unwavering support throughout his career and considers them to be his biggest motivation.
When he's not on the field, de la Fuente enjoys spending time in his hometown of Haro, reminiscing about his days as a young footballer and dreaming of inspiring future generations of players.
With his passion for the game and dedication to excellence, Luis de la Fuente continues to leave a lasting legacy in Spanish football, both as a player and as a coach.
Related links