Bielsa’s defiant stance steals the show
Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has never been one to follow convention, and his latest act of defiance came during a FIFA-mandated photoshoot for the World Cup.
While his players struck emotive poses for the Getty photographers, Bielsa – known as ‘El Loco’ – remained statuesque, staring at the floor with hands buried in his pockets. The resulting image has become one of the first viral moments of the tournament.
‘I don’t have to give any explanation’
Quizzed about the incident after Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, the 70-year-old was in no mood to apologise. “I’m not a model,” Bielsa snapped. “I don’t have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken. Should I also explain why I don’t look to the people who are speaking to me at this moment?”
“There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down.”
A history of eccentricity
Such behaviour is nothing new from the Argentine. During his time at Leeds United, Bielsa famously sat on a plastic bucket during matches to ease chronic back pain. He also paid a £200,000 fine out of his own pocket after the club were punished for spying on Championship opponents.
The Getty photographers Michael Regan and Molly Darlington, who shot the portraits on 10 June in Cancún, Mexico, had no issues capturing the Uruguay squad – but it is Bielsa’s awkward image that has captured the world’s attention.
Key Takeaways
- Bielsa refused to cooperate during a FIFA World Cup photoshoot, staring at the ground with hands in pockets.
- The viral image has sparked a media frenzy, but the coach remains unapologetic.
- His eccentric history includes sitting on a bucket at Leeds United and personally paying a spying fine.
- Uruguay kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Quick Facts
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay)
Incident: FIFA official photoshoot in Cancún, 10 June 2026
Match: Uruguay 1-1 Saudi Arabia, 16 June 2026
Bielsa’s previous club: Leeds United