Golden Boy 2026: Pau Cubarsi succeeds Désiré Doué (not Lamine Yamal)

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, 19, wins Tuttosport's Golden Boy award for best player under 21 in Europe, succeeding PSG's Désiré Doué.

Pau Cubarsi has been named the 2026 Golden Boy by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which annually recognises the best player under 21 in Europe. The Barcelona centre-back and Spain international was chosen after being shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy at the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Cubarsi becomes the sixth Spanish winner of the award since its creation in 2003, following Cesc Fabregas (2006), Isco (2012), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022) and Lamine Yamal (2024). The award cannot be given twice to the same player, which is why Yamal, despite his continued excellence, was ineligible.

"I am very happy and very proud," Cubarsi said in a brief video, thanking Tuttosport, his family, teammates and the staff at Barcelona and Spain.

The award was decided by a vote of sports journalists from major European media outlets. Barcelona also featured prominently in other categories, with president Joan Laporta named best president and agent Jorge Mendes (linked to Yamal) named best agent. Erling Haaland and Alessia Russo won the men's and women's Golden Player awards respectively.