Barcelona‘s rising star, Pau Cubarsí, has been crowned the 2026 Golden Boy, an award recognising Europe’s best under-21 player. The 19-year-old centre-back secured a dominant victory, receiving an impressive 475 out of a possible 500 points.
Cubarsí’s win is particularly notable as he becomes only the second defender in the award’s history to claim the prestigious honour. He succeeds PSG’s Désiré Doué, who won the award in 2025. This individual accolade caps a remarkable year for the young Spaniard, who has quickly established himself as a key figure for both club and country.
A Season of Triumphs
The Golden Boy award adds to a growing list of achievements for Cubarsí in 2026. He played an integral role in Barcelona’s successful campaign, contributing to their LaLiga title and Super Cup victories. His consistent performances at the heart of the defence earned him widespread acclaim.
On the international stage, Cubarsí was a standout performer as Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup. He was named the young player of the tournament, a testament to his impact throughout the competition. Spain’s defensive solidity, with Cubarsí starting all eight of their matches, was crucial to their success. They kept seven clean sheets and conceded only once, during a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium, before beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
The Golden Boy award arrives just weeks after Cubarsí narrowly missed out on the Kopa Trophy, another significant recognition for young talent.
Barcelona’s Golden Legacy
Cubarsí’s triumph further solidifies Barcelona’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite young talent. He is now the fifth player from the Catalan club to win the Golden Boy award, extending their record as the club with the most winners. He joins an illustrious list that includes Lionel Messi, Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, highlighting a consistent flow of exceptional young players into the first team.
The recognition for Barcelona extended beyond Cubarsí. Club president Joan Laporta was honoured with the Best President award, acknowledging his leadership. Additionally, Giulia Galli from Barça Femení B received the Best Italian Golden Girl prize, showcasing the club’s success across its various teams.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Turin on 14 December, where Cubarsí, Laporta, and Galli will officially receive their accolades. This period of recognition comes as Barcelona currently sits at the top of LaLiga, while Spain prepares for a crucial decider against England.