Infantino salutes Pau Cubarsi after Barcelona defender’s landmark 2026 World Cup

Pau Cubarsi has been named FIFA’s Best Young Player after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup at the age of 19, completing a remarkable tournament for the Barcelona defender.

Cubarsi was a central figure in Spain’s successful campaign and played a major role in a defence that conceded only one goal throughout the competition. Spain kept seven clean sheets during the tournament, with the teenager contributing to the team’s exceptional defensive record as they secured the world title.

The award represents a significant individual achievement for Cubarsi, confirming his standing on the biggest international stage after a season in which he established himself as an important player for Barcelona.

Although his statistics highlighted the scale of his contribution, Cubarsi’s influence extended beyond the numbers. He displayed confidence in possession, a willingness to defend high up the pitch and a level of maturity that belied his age.

The Barcelona centre-back looked comfortable against some of the world’s leading forwards and was a key part of Spain’s title-winning side. His performances marked him out as a complete defender rather than simply a promising young player making up the numbers at a major tournament.

Cubarsi’s showing also earned public praise from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who addressed the defender directly in a message shared on social media. Infantino referred to the saying that it is better to arrive late than never, while highlighting both Cubarsi’s individual award and his contribution to Spain’s outstanding defensive campaign.

“Only 19 years old, Pau Cubarsi produced an exceptional performance at the 2026 World Cup with Spain, becoming the first defender to win the FIFA Best Young Player award! After helping keep seven clean sheets throughout the tournament, he will also go down in history for his key role in a defence that conceded only one goal,” Infantino wrote.

The FIFA president’s message brought further recognition to a tournament that has already become unforgettable for Cubarsi. The defender finished the World Cup as a champion, collected the award for the competition’s best young player and entered the records as the first defender to receive the honour.

His success adds to the growing reputation Cubarsi has built at Barcelona. At just 19, he has already performed a decisive role in a World Cup-winning defence and received FIFA recognition for his displays against the highest level of international opposition.

The achievement also suggests that Cubarsi’s most significant milestones may still lie ahead. After making history in his first major World Cup campaign, the Barcelona defender now has the opportunity to build on an exceptional beginning to his international career.