Cubarsí, the second centre-back to win the Golden Boy

The 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back and World Cup winner with Spain becomes only the second defender ever to win the Golden Boy award.

Pau Cubarsí has won the Golden Boy 2026 award, becoming only the second defender in the prize's history to receive the honour. The 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back and World Cup winner with Spain was recognised by Tuttosport's jury as the best footballer under 21 years old. Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax was the only other defender to previously win the award.

Cubarsí's recognition comes after an impressive performance at the Metropolitano, where he made two crucial defensive actions to help Barcelona during a difficult spell in the match. His combination of tactical intelligence, anticipation, excellent ball-playing ability and composure in Flick's attacking defensive system sets him apart.

He is the fifth La Masia academy product to win the Golden Boy and the third Catalan, following Cesc Fàbregas (with Arsenal), Messi (2005), Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal (at 17).