Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona player
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has expressed his pride after being named the winner of the 2026 Golden Boy award, adding another individual achievement to an outstanding year for the young centre-back.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable 2026, establishing himself as an important figure for Barcelona before helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup.
His performances at international level earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award, which further strengthened his reputation as one of European football’s most promising defenders.
Cubarsi’s Golden Boy success also continues Barcelona’s impressive history in the competition, with the La Masia graduate becoming the fifth player from the club to receive the prestigious recognition.
Cubarsi joins Messi, Pedri, Gavi and Yamal among winners
The Spanish defender becomes the fifth Barcelona player to win the Golden Boy award, following Lionel Messi in 2005, Pedri in 2021, Gavi in 2022 and Lamine Yamal in 2024.
His achievement is particularly notable because centre-backs have historically received less individual recognition than attacking players.
🗣️ Le discours de Pau Cubarsí après avoir remporté le Golden Boy 2026 : « Bonjour à tous ! Je suis très heureux d’avoir remporté le Golden Boy 2026 et extrêmement fier de cette distinction. Tout d’abord, je tiens à remercier toutes les personnes qui ont voté pour moi et qui m’ont permis de recevoir ce prix. Je n’oublie pas non plus ma famille et mes amis, qui ont toujours été à mes côtés, ni les joueurs et les membres du staff du FC Barcelone et de la sélection espagnole. Car, sans eux, rien de tout cela n’aurait été possible. Cette année a été tout simplement spectaculaire. Un immense merci à tous, et maintenant, allons chercher encore plus de trophées ! »
— Blaugranation (@Blaugranation_) November 9, 2026
On that note, Cubarsi is also the second defender to win the award, following Matthijs de Ligt in 2018.
Reacting to the announcement, the Barcelona youngster shared his excitement in a video message.
“It’s been a spectacular year, thank you all, and let’s go for more,” Cubarsi commented in a video.
He subsequently expressed his gratitude towards those who contributed to his development and success.
“I’m very happy to have won the award. To be honest, I’m very proud. I’d like to thank Tuttosport and everyone who voted for me.
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“I mustn’t forget my family and friends, who have always been there for me, nor the players and staff at both Barça and the Spanish national team. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
Lamine Yamal previously backed Cubarsi for individual recognition
There is also an interesting connection between Cubarsi’s Golden Boy success and the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, where his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal publicly expressed his belief that the defender deserved greater individual recognition.
Yamal received the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year at the ceremony, but made a point of acknowledging his defensive teammate during his acceptance speech.
“I would have liked Pau Cubarsí to have won it,” he said.
Seeing his Barcelona teammate win the 2026 Golden Boy award must have made Yamal really happy.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager
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