Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy award as Barcelona extend dominance

Pau Cubarsi has been named the 2026 Golden Boy, recognising the Barcelona and Spain defender as the best young player in European football.

The award, presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is open to players under the age of 21 who play in European leagues.

Cubarsi’s success means Barcelona players have won the prize four times in the past six years. Pedri claimed it in 2021, Gavi followed in 2022 and Lamine Yamal won in 2024 before Cubarsi took the honour in 2026.

The defender impressed for both club and country during the 2025-26 season. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, while also lifting the 2026 World Cup with Spain. Cubarsi was additionally named the tournament’s best young player.

The Golden Boy award was first presented in 2003, when Rafael van der Vaart became its inaugural winner. Gavi remains the youngest player to receive it, having won at the age of 18 years and 77 days in 2022.

Barcelona are now the competition’s most successful club, with five winners. Lionel Messi claimed the award in 2005, followed by Pedri in 2021, Gavi in 2022, Lamine Yamal in 2024 and Cubarsi in 2026.

Cubarsi’s Golden Boy triumph comes after he finished second in the voting for the 2026 best young player award, behind his Barcelona team-mate Yamal.

Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue were not included among the 2026 nominees because both had previously won the prize. Tuttosport’s rules prevent former winners from being nominated again.