Pau Cubarsí wins the 2026 Golden Boy award

Pau Cubarsí now reigns supreme among world football’s young talents. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona centre-back has been named the winner of the 2026 Golden Boy award, presented annually by Italian newspaper Tuttosport since 2003 to recognise the most outstanding footballer under 21 playing in Europe’s leagues. The decision was officially announced early on Monday afternoon at a formal ceremony in the Italian town of Sassuolo.

A milestone for defenders

Cubarsí’s triumph marks a rare milestone in the award’s history: he is only the second centre-back to receive the honour in its more than two decades of existence, following in the footsteps of Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt in 2018. The roll of honour has otherwise traditionally been reserved for renowned forwards and playmakers such as Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

Barça dominance and Spanish representation

With this trophy, FC Barcelona extends its record at the top of the award’s all-time standings. Cubarsí joins Lionel Messi, Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal as the five La Masia-trained players to have claimed the Golden Boy while wearing Barça’s colours.

Cubarsí succeeds Désiré Doué (2025) and Lamine Yamal (2024), reaffirming Spanish football’s prominence in an edition whose nominees also included Jon Martín (Real Sociedad) and his teammates Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.