Barcelona starlet Pau Cubarsi has officially been crowned the 2026 Golden Boy winner, following a sensational year for both club and country. The 19-year-old centre-back beat out a host of elite talent to secure the prestigious trophy, which recognizes the best Under-21 player competing across Europe.
Barcelona’s conveyor belt of elite talent shows no signs of slowing down as Cubarsi becomes the latest La Masia graduate to be named the Golden Boy, an award presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport. The young centre-back emerged victorious following a vote by an international jury of 50 journalists from Europe’s leading media outlets, who selected him from a 25-man shortlist whittled down from an initial list of 100 candidates announced earlier in the year.
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The competition for the prize was fierce, with the Barcelona man edging out several high-profile names from across the continent. Among those in contention were Real Madrid’s Endrick and Yan Diomande, alongside Chelsea starlet Estevao and PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery. Cubarsi also finished ahead of his own club teammates, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart.
The decision to award Cubarsi the Golden Boy comes on the back of a trophy-laden season where he played a pivotal role for Hansi Flick’s side, helping Barcelona secure both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
Beyond his achievements at club level, Cubarsi’s international pedigree was a major factor in the voting process. He was a cornerstone of the Spain squad that recently triumphed on the world stage, starting in the final and being named the best young player of the tournament. This summer of success also saw him nominated for the Ballon d’Or, confirming that he is no longer just a prospect but a genuine star in the senior game.
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With this triumph, Cubarsi becomes the fifth Barcelona player to claim the prestigious individual honor, joining an elite list of previous winners that includes Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022), and Yamal (2024). The 19-year-old defender will formally collect his trophy at the official gala in Turin on December 14.
