Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí has been awarded the 2026 Golden Boy award, making him the first defender since Matthijs de Ligt in 2018 to receive the honour. The 19-year-old was recognised for an outstanding year with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, where he contributed to winning a second consecutive LaLiga title and was part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad in North America. During the tournament, Cubarsí was named Young Player of the Tournament.
At the ceremony broadcast by Tuttosport, Cubarsí expressed his pride and gratitude to the voters who supported him. "I'm very proud to receive the award, and I thank all the people who voted for me," he said.
He also reflected on the challenges defenders face in gaining recognition compared to their attacking counterparts. "It's harder for defenders to get recognition… we're less in the spotlight," Cubarsí told Reuters. "Perhaps our work isn't as visible because, at the end of the day, the forwards score lots of goals, provide assists, play a more attractive style of football, are more eye-catching."
Spain managed just one goal conceded across eight matches en route to World Cup victory, with Cubarsí playing a pivotal role in the team's defensive performance. He now becomes the fourth Barcelona player to win the men's Golden Boy award in the past six years, following Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal. Previous winners include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.
The Golden Boy award, established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003, honours the best under-21 player in a top European division, with journalists selecting nominees from a shortlist. Separately, Real Madrid forward Felicia Schroeder won the 2026 Golden Girl award.