Luis De La Fuente: The Spain Coach Facing Judgement On And Off The Field

Luis de la Fuente may have the biggest job in Spanish soccer, but many beyond the Iberian peninsula might not even know who he is. The Spanish national team coach was appointed in late 2022 after the World Cup, but has already built up a number of enemies and opponents, despite seeking to avoid controversy.

De la Fuente joined the RFEF and the Spanish national team set-up in 2013, initially to work with the under 19s as their manager while Vicente del Bosque remained in charge of the senior side. Two years later, he won won the European Championships at under 19 level, Spain’s first title in the competition, and in 2018, he stepped up to take over the under 21s side after Albert Celades left to join Julen Lopetegui at Real Madrid.