Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia says he has no plans to get a tattoo if his club win the Champions League, despite acknowledging that supporters may expect him to copy Marc Cucurella’s gesture involving Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
Garcia, speaking to Sport, said he had not played in any matches for Spain at the 2026 World Cup but insisted that substitutes share the same sense of achievement as those selected in the starting line-up.
“You sometimes suffer more on the bench than when you are on the pitch, and you feel that you are just as involved and just as much a champion as everyone else,” Garcia said.
The 24-year-old was asked whether Barcelona fans could call on him to have a tattoo dedicated to Hansi Flick if the club lift the Champions League trophy, in the same way Cucurella marked Spain’s success with a tattoo honouring De la Fuente.
“Yes, I know about that. But no, I have to say that I am not planning to do that at the moment,” Garcia replied.
He added: “I do not have any tattoos and I am not thinking about getting one. If we win the Champions League, we will have to think of something else.”
Garcia’s comments contrast with Cucurella’s decision to commemorate Spain’s achievement with a permanent tribute to De la Fuente. The Barcelona goalkeeper made clear, however, that he does not currently intend to follow the same route, even if his club complete a successful Champions League campaign.
The discussion also turned to Cucurella’s reported move to Real Madrid and the reaction to the news during Spain’s international camp.
Garcia said the transfer had not surprised the players because each footballer ultimately has to choose what is best for their career and future.
“No, because in the end everyone decides what is best for them and their future. Honestly, I think it is a good move for him,” Garcia said.
He explained that Cucurella was subjected to some teasing when the move became known, but said the overall response from the group was positive.
“When it happened, he was the subject of some jokes, but in the end we were happy for him,” Garcia added.
Garcia’s remarks focused on two different aspects of life in the Spain squad: the frustration of remaining on the substitutes’ bench and the personal choices players make away from the pitch. Although he did not feature in Spain’s 2026 World Cup matches, he said his position did not make him feel detached from the team’s achievements.
His refusal to commit to a tattoo also leaves open the possibility of a different celebration should Barcelona win the Champions League. For now, Garcia says he has no tattoos, has no intention of getting one and would prefer to consider another way of marking the occasion.
