Pau Cubarsi’s Spain rise outpaces Sergio Ramos at the same age

Pau Cubarsi has already surpassed Sergio Ramos’ early international progress and is emerging as the leading contender for the 2026 Golden Boy award.

The Barcelona defender, aged 19, is already a world champion an exceptional achievement for a player in his position. He played all 750 minutes of Spain’s most recent World Cup campaign, underlining his importance to Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Giuseppe Bergomi was also a world champion with Italy at the age of 19, in 1982. However, his role was very different from Cubarsi’s. Bergomi became Enzo Bearzot’s final option after Claudio Gentile missed the final, and played 236 of Italy’s 630 minutes across three appearances. He remained an unused substitute for four matches.

After being rested for Spain’s game against the Czech Republic in Oviedo, which he watched from the stands, Cubarsi has returned to his regular position in the national team. He started at right-sided centre-back alongside Aymeric Laporte.

With his 20th birthday still several months away he was born in January 2007 Cubarsi has now made 22 appearances for Spain. He was gradually introduced to the senior squad in March 2024, missed out on the European Championship squad and then won an Olympic gold medal that summer.

Since October last year, he has become a central part of De la Fuente’s plans. His latest appearance, against Croatia, took him to 22 caps and reinforced his status as one of the world’s outstanding young defenders.

Cubarsi’s progress has prompted comparisons with Ramos, regarded as one of the most important defenders in Spanish football history.

In January 2006, Ramos was 19 years and nine months old and had played seven times for Spain. He was preparing for his first World Cup, which was held in Germany.

That tournament marked the beginning of a distinguished international career. Ramos went on to win the European Championship twice and the World Cup once, while setting Spain’s record for appearances with 180 caps a total no player had reached before or since.

Cubarsi’s development over the past year has been particularly striking. Previously viewed as a highly promising defender, he has now established himself as a senior figure at international level.

Much of that progress has been attributed to his maturity and understanding of the game. Those qualities have helped him move beyond the mindset of a young prospect and perform with the authority of a far more experienced player.