The creator of the hit soccer manga "Ao Ashi" has paid tribute to a standout international star. Yugo Kobayashi drew a special illustration of Spanish defender Marc Cucurella following Spain's impressive 2-0 semifinal victory over France, capturing the fullback in his signature art style.
The tribute aligns perfectly with the manga's themes. "Ao Ashi" focuses heavily on the tactical evolution of fullbacks, treating the position as crucial to modern football strategy. Kobayashi was clearly impressed by Cucurella's masterclass performance, writing directly on the artwork: "Such beautiful football! What an incredible fullback!!"
During the high-stakes match, Cucurella completely shut down France's elite right flank. His key defensive challenges against superstars like Mbappé and Olise helped propel Spain into the Final, earning the admiration of fans and comic creators alike.