Investing in youth academy is the most effective strategy

Pau Cubarsí wins Golden Boy award, highlighting Barcelona's youth academy success: four of six awards since 2021, plus seven of eight Kopa Trophies.

Pau Cubarsí was named Golden Boy by Tuttosport, recognising the world's best player under 21. The Barcelona defender also won Best Young Player at the World Cup, where he won the tournament with Spain.

The award underscores Barcelona's dominance in youth development. Since 2021, the club has won four of six Golden Boy awards—Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri—and seven of eight Kopa Trophies (five men's, two women's). Nine players from Barcelona's academy featured in both squads at the 2026 World Cup final, including eight Spanish internationals.

Beyond individual honours, the academy has been crucial to Barcelona's financial recovery. After the 2021 crisis that forced Lionel Messi's departure, the club has generated over €89 million from academy player sales in a single season and €130 million through resales over the decade. Experts highlight how investing in youth development combines sporting performance with economic growth and long-term sustainability.