Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has won the 2026 Golden Boy award after securing LaLiga with his club and the World Cup with Spain.
The 19-year-old center-back succeeds Paris Saint-Germain player Désiré Doué as the recipient of the prize given to the best under-21 men’s player in the world, ESPN reported. Tuttosport established the award in 2003.
Cubarsí made 31 league appearances in the middle of the back four as Barcelona won a second successive league title under Hansi Flick. He also helped Spain concede just one goal in eight games during the World Cup in North America.
Cubarsí is only the second defender to receive the honor since Matthijs de Ligt won it in 2018 while playing for Ajax. Center-backs have historically received less individual recognition than attacking players.
The Spanish defender becomes the fifth Barcelona player to win the trophy overall. He joins Lionel Messi in 2005, Pedri in 2021, Gavi in 2022, and Lamine Yamal in 2024.
A panel of journalists from 22 European countries votes for the winner from an initial list of 100 nominees drawn up by Tuttosport.
“It’s been a spectacular year, thank you all, and let’s go for more,” Cubarsí said in a video message. “I’m very happy to have won the award. To be honest, I’m very proud.”
Yamal received the Kopa Trophy at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony. During his acceptance speech, he publicly stated that he would have liked Cubarsí to win that prize instead.
“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,” Cubarsí said. “Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Yamal previously backed his defensive teammate for individual recognition during his own award acceptance.
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