Pau Cubarsi opens up on Barcelona pressure, mental health and life as a teenager: ‘You have to keep fighting’

Pau Cubarsi has opened up about the demands of becoming a Barcelona first-team player at such a young age, explaining how psychological support helped him during the early stages of his breakthrough.

The defender is already among the most recognised young players in world football. 

A Golden Boy favourite and one of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, Cubarsi was also named Young Player of the World Cup after establishing himself at senior level as a teenager.

Speaking to Reuters, the Barcelona defender revealed that working with a club psychologist was an important part of his transition into first-team football and that he still occasionally attends therapy.

Pau Cubarsi highlights importance of mental health

Cubarsi believes mental preparation should be treated as seriously as physical development, particularly for teenagers suddenly placed under the spotlight.

“That’s the most important thing, I’d say. Working on your mindset, working on your mental health.

Cubarsi is one of the best defenders in the sport. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“When someone feels the need to raise their hand because they’re struggling, they shouldn’t be judged. 

“They need to feel comfortable saying, ‘I’m going through a tough time’, and that’s fine,” he explained.

Cubarsi urges patience

Cubarsi understands that his rapid rise can create unrealistic expectations for other academy players. 

He pointed to the success enjoyed by himself and Lamine Yamal as examples of why young footballers should focus on their own development.

“They need to focus on working hard every day, trying to be better people, and not letting the anxiety get the better of them – so that if, at 16, for example, they aren’t being given opportunities, they don’t get frustrated or lose their way.”

He added, “You have to keep fighting, keep believing in yourself, because at 20 – even though it might seem a bit late now having made your debut at 16 – I’ll still consider myself young, and you have to keep fighting so that when the opportunity comes, you’re ready.”

Cubarsi has opened up on footballers’ mental health. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Even his World Cup award has not changed that mentality.

“It’s not something to rest on your laurels over, but rather to realise that you can also achieve great things individually and that you have to keep fighting to try and win as many titles as possible,” he said.

Cubarsi calls for better protection of young players

The Barcelona defender also believes clubs need clear development plans for teenagers dealing with an increasingly demanding schedule.

He sees recovery, nutrition, gym work and physiotherapy as fundamental rather than optional, while also calling for more time between matches.

“Perhaps having a bit more rest between matches, but I don’t think that’s an excuse either; rather, every club should also have a development plan for young players, to work with them, to look after them and, above all, to help them improve,” he concluded.