Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his Catholic faith gives him strength and confidence as La Roja prepare for a World Cup semi-final.
Newsroom (14/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) As Spain prepare for a crucial World Cup semi-final against France on Tuesday, manager Luis de la Fuente will once again rely on a source of strength that has accompanied him throughout his career: his Catholic faith.
The Spain coach, who hails from Haro in northern Spain, has spoken openly about the role religion plays in his life and leadership. As his team pursues a second World Cup title, de la Fuente has made clear that his faith remains central to how he approaches both football and life.
In a recent interview with El Resurgir de Madrid, de la Fuente reaffirmed his religious convictions without hesitation.
“Yes I do believe. I am a Catholic,” he said.
The Spanish manager explained that faith has been a constant source of confidence and personal development.
“In my experience, I’m happy. I love it, it gives me a lot of strength, it gives me a lot of confidence. It has allowed me to be the person I am today.”
His public comments about religion have attracted attention in Spain, something that has surprised the coach. According to de la Fuente, people frequently approach him to thank him for speaking openly about his beliefs.
“I don’t understand why some people, after those public statements I made about my creed and religious beliefs, now approach me in the street to thank me for that testimony,” he said.
While emphasizing his own beliefs, the Spain manager also stressed the importance of mutual respect and diversity in society.
“Nothing is more valuable than my freedom. I respect everyone who respects me. In other words, I demand respect. I think diversity is great; there has to be everything, all kinds of thoughts, beliefs, ideologies… But I also want to be included, and we Catholics want to be there.”
De la Fuente’s comments are consistent with remarks he made before Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 final against England, a match Spain won 2-1. Ahead of that high-pressure encounter, he described faith as a source of reassurance.
“God gives me security and strength,” he said.
When questioned about the role of God during an intensely competitive football match, de la Fuente pointed to personal conviction and free choice.
“I am free and I can choose what I have to do, and both my experience and my intelligence invite me to believe in God.”
Unlike many football figures who adhere to match-day rituals or superstitions, de la Fuente says prayer is his only routine.
“I’m not superstitious at all. I pray every day. I don’t wear a yellow shirt on the day I win. If I pray today and tomorrow, it’s because I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
Catholic Faith Across the World Cup
De la Fuente is far from alone in drawing inspiration from faith during international football’s biggest tournament.
Croatia, finalists at the 2018 World Cup and semi-finalists in 2022, have long been associated with public displays of Catholic devotion. Although Croatia exited this year’s competition in the round of 32, faith remains a prominent part of the national team’s culture.
Head coach Zlatko Dalić undertook a walking pilgrimage to Međugorje before the tournament and previously spoke at the youth festival held there in 2023. Images of Croatian players attending Mass together have also become a familiar sight.
Forward Igor Matanović recently highlighted the importance of religion in his life.
“I think faith is very important to me. When you pray to God, you feel like someone is listening to you, and that gives me a lot of strength.”
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most decorated coaches, has likewise spoken openly about the influence of Catholicism.
“Religion has taught me good things like how to conduct myself in life, how to respect others,” Ancelotti told The Guardian.
He added:
“I am Catholic and religion has been very important to me and has taught me to be a good person in the world.”
Among players, few names carry greater weight than Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, is a baptized Catholic and has publicly credited God for his extraordinary abilities.
Discussing his talent in remarks that have been widely quoted, Messi said:
“Obviously he gave me that gift. I have no doubt about that. He chose me and, obviously, I then did everything possible to try to improve myself and achieve success. But without his help, I would not have gotten anywhere.”
A Potential Collision Course
For now, de la Fuente’s immediate focus is on guiding Spain past France and into the World Cup final. Yet another challenge could await beyond the semi-finals.
If Argentina overcome England and Spain defeat France, the tournament could culminate in a showdown featuring Messi — a player whose remarkable ability he attributes to divine providence.
In that scenario, de la Fuente’s faith may continue to provide the confidence and composure he says have shaped his life. But on the pitch, Spain’s manager would face the difficult task of finding a way to stop one of football’s most gifted stars from turning another World Cup dream into reality.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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