Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy: Barcelona’s 19-year-old rock becomes just the second defender to claim the prize
After Lamine Yamal admitted during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London two weeks ago that Pau Cubarsi should have won the Kopa Trophy instead, European football’s journalists officially set the record straight. Tuttosport in Italy have announced that the 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back has won the 2026 Golden Boy by a landslide.
Pau Cubarsi capped off an incredible calendar year two months short of his 20th birthday by becoming just the second defender to ever win the prestigious award since it was set up in 2003.
Goalless throughout the summer
In order to win the award, a centre-back would need close to a perfect season and that is exactly what he did in 2025/26. He played 62 games between club and country. He helped Hansi Flick’s team win the La Liga title for the second year in a row, as well as the Spanish Super Cup.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Cubarsi started every game for Luis de la Fuente’s side. He put in a masterclass performance in the 1-0 final against Argentina, in which he played the full 120 minutes and completed 115 passes. The centre-back also lead the backline to just one goal conceded in the whole tournament. This meant he was named the Young Player of the Tournament by FIFA. It was clear he would win Golden Boy.
Building on La Masia’s unbeatable Golden Boy streak
The teenager spoke in a video message for Tuttosport, staying calm as ever.
"I'm very proud to receive this award and I thank all the people that voted for me. It's been a spectacular year and we're going for more."
This makes Barcelona a dominant force in developing young players. After winning the award in 2005 (Lionel Messi), 2021 (Pedri), 2022 (Gavi) and 2024 (Lamine Yamal), they have now had four different teens win the award since 2021. Having Europe’s best young defender and attacker in the same squad means the future of football is in Catalunya.
