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Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy: Barcelona’s 19-year-old rock becomes just the second defender to claim the prize

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has won the 2026 Golden Boy award, becoming only the second center-back in history to be crowned Europe's best U21 player.

By Parag J Kalita · Everything Barca

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Barcelona's 19-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi has won the 2026 Golden Boy award.
Cubarsi is only the second defender to claim the prize since its establishment in 2003.
He played 62 games during the 2025/26 season, winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup under Hansi Flick.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi has won the 2026 Golden Boy award presented by Italian outlet Tuttosport, winning the vote by a landslide. The 19-year-old became only the second defender in history to claim the prestigious individual prize since its inception in 2003.

Cubarsi featured in 62 matches across club and country during the 2025/26 campaign, securing the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup under manager Hansi Flick. He also won the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain under Luis de la Fuente, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament following a 1-0 final victory against Argentina.

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