The Spain left-back capped the greatest achievement of his career at 27 years old after his side beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, once again proving one of Luis de la Fuente's most reliable performers throughout the tournament.
As in Johannesburg in 2010, Spain needed extra time to see off the reigning champions. Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute to break the deadlock, allowing La Roja to lift the World Cup for the second time in 16 years, a triumph that capped almost 50 days together as a squad and a demanding summer for the group, Cucurella included.
The Alella-born defender was one of the standout characters of the tournament, having previously joked that he would get a tattoo of De la Fuente's face if Spain won it all.
"I need to think about where I'll get Luis de la Fuente's tattoo now! I'll make it visible! I'll think it over on the flight home," Cucurella said.
Whatever the eventual outcome of that pledge, Cucurella remains popular for being approachable, good-humoured and honest, qualities he showed again after being crowned world champion.
"I'm very proud, very happy. It's not easy to get here. During your career, especially as a teenager and when you're young, it's tough and you have to make decisions. Sometimes people tell you that you're not good enough or that you won't make it," he said after making history.
The full-back turned the criticism he faced during his career into a central part of his message, choosing gratitude over resentment even towards those who once doubted him. It happened during the Euros too, where he ended up being essential. For him, those setbacks fuelled his refusal to give up and ultimately helped him celebrate the biggest possible prize with the national team.
"To all the people who say those things, I thank them for taking the time to give me their advice, as well as everyone who has helped me. We've been stubborn, we've never given up, and today we have the reward of being here," Cucurella, who left Chelsea for Real Madrid during the tournament, said.
His World Cup ended exactly as he dreamed, with the winner's medal round his neck, Spain lifting the trophy and his loved ones around him.
"It hasn't been an easy summer for us and I'm very happy," he admitted. "It's been a long journey, we've spent a lot of time together and now it's time to celebrate, to be together, to remember the stories along the way."