Pau Cubarsi leads 25 Golden Boy finalists as Barcelona star stands out as clear favorite
The Italian publication Tuttosport has officially revealed the shortlist of 25 candidates for the 2026 Golden Boy award, with Barcelona center-back Pau Cubarsi positioned as the overwhelming favorite to win the prize.
Although the list of players nominated contains the most promising talents under 21 in Europe, the impressive rise of Cubarsi from the ranks of La Masia to become a key pillar for both club and country sets him apart from the rest.
The player’s current role as a central defender for the first team at only 19 years of age requires a level of tactical maturity and composure on the pitch that is unmatched by any other young prospect in world football.
Unbeatable consistency and calmness under pressure
This, combined with Cubarsi’s already remarkable record of performances on the biggest stages for club and country, makes him the most talented candidate and a shoo-in to win the prestigious Golden Boy award.
While forwards and attacking midfielders dominate the nominations, it is the central defender who has been delivering the goods week in, week out during Barcelona’s successful title-winning campaign. He was also pivotal in Spain's World Cup victory having personally secured the Yound Player of the tournament award.
Cubarsi’s exceptional passing range and ability to contribute to attacks with his vision and movement have been the backbone of Barcelona and Spain. The young center-back has excelled in high-intensity games against elite sides both for club and country.
His numbers in terms of ball recoveries and progressive passes make him one of the best defenders at any position in the continent, with many experts considering him to already be among the best defender of his generation.
### Club’s fourth Golden Boy nominee in the running
Should the 19-year-old center-back win the prize, it would be another year that FC Barcelona would see one of their young stars named the best under 21 in Europe.
With Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal all recently winning the trophy, Barca’s production line of teenage sensations shows no signs of slowing down, and Pau Cubarsi is the standout nominee in this year’s list.
When the international jury of journalists vote for the winner of the 2026 Golden Boy award in Turin, they are going to realize that it will be hard to overlook the incredible talent, consistency and impact of 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi on the pitch.
