Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy award after Barcelona and Spain success

Pau Cubarsi has been named the 2026 Golden Boy after a remarkable year in which he helped Barcelona retain the La Liga title before making a major contribution to Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph in North America.

The 19-year-old defender played an important role for both club and country, as Barcelona secured a second successive La Liga championship and Spain completed a successful World Cup campaign.

Spain conceded only one goal during the tournament, and Cubarsi was subsequently named FIFA Young Player of the Tournament.

Speaking in a video message shown by Tuttosport during the awards ceremony, the Barcelona player said he was proud to receive the honour.

“I’m very proud to receive the award and I thank all the people that voted for me,” said Cubarsi.

“It’s been a spectacular year and we’re going for more.”

Cubarsi is only the second defender to win the Golden Boy since the award was introduced in 2003. The other was Matthijs de Ligt, who received the prize in 2018.

The award recognises the best player aged under 21 competing in a top European division during the calendar year. It is decided by a vote among journalists.

Cubarsi said defenders can find it more difficult to gain the same level of recognition as attacking players because their work is often less visible.

“It’s harder for defenders to get recognition… we’re less in the spotlight,” he 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.”

His success also extends Barcelona’s strong record in the competition. Cubarsi follows teammates Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, who have each won the Golden Boy since 2021.

The award caps a year in which Cubarsi collected major honours with both Barcelona and Spain, while also receiving individual recognition for his performances at the World Cup.