Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi has bagged the 2026 Golden Boy following a great season at club and international level, with the defender winning the accolade and becoming the first defender since 2018 to do so.
The 19-year-old’s profile grew enormously when he helped Spain win the World Cup, receiving the FIFA Young Player of the Tournament award following his country’s single goal conceded at the finals.
He also provided the leadership for Barcelona’s defence as the Catalan giants claimed back-to-back LaLiga titles.
He was honoured at a ceremony held by Italian newspaper, Tuttosport, who hand out the accolade to the most promising young talent in European football, voted for by journalists.
“I am very proud to be the recipient of the award and I thank all who voted for me,” Cubarsi said in a video shared by Tuttosport.
“It’s been an incredible year – and it’s not finished yet,” he said.
The teenager from Barcelona was only the second defender to win the award since it was first handed out in 2003, with previous winner Matthijs de Ligt taking the accolade in 2018.
“It’s more difficult for defenders to be recognized… We’re not as much in the spotlight,” Cubarsi told Reuters.
He succeeded Barcelona teammates Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, who had already bagged the accolade since 2021.
She was later crowned the Golden Girl. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Felicia won the Golden Girl.
