The center-back Pau Cubarsi has been one of the La Masia graduates who have established themselves as key players for FC Barcelona in the last few years. Like Lamine Yamal, he is a crucial part of Hansi Flick’s team, even though he does not get as much limelight as the winger because of his more defensive role.
However, despite his less conspicuous role and position on the pitch, the Spaniard has clearly proven himself at the highest level, both with the Blaugrana club and with the Spanish national team. Last summer, he won the World Cup, which remains the crowning achievement of his still budding career.
Now, the young defender’s achievements on the pitch have also been recognized at the highest level. As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261109/1004249074/oficial-cubarsi-golden-boy-2026.html) has reported, he has been selected as the 2026 Golden Boy award winner by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
Thus, Cubarsi has become the fifth player in Barcelona history to win this award, and he beat a glittering list of nominees to get the most prestigious youth-related recognition in Europe, which included the likes of Diomandé and Endrik (Real Madrid), Estevão (Chelsea), Zaire Emery (PSG), Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), and his Barcelona teammates Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart.
Before him, Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022), and Lamine Yamal (2024)had won this award while playing for the Blaugrana side.
Although a memorable achievement for the young center-back, his nomination as the winner of the award is not really surprising. He was expected to get this award this year after winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with the Catalan side last season, and the World Cup with Spain. [He was also one of the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or this year](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/lamine-yamal-sends-heartfelt-message-to-barcelona-teammate-after-winning-kopa-trophy/), which was ultimately won by Harry Kane.
Pau Cubarsi will officially get the Golden Boy award on 14 December and hopefully, he will continue to play at the level he has shown so far, and bring much more glory to Barcelona for years to come.