While attending the Spanish national team’s final training camp of the year, Pau Cubarsí was named Golden Boy 2026 on 9 November. The award, presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, recognises Europe’s best under-21 footballer.

At just 19 years of age, and following a vote by 30 journalists from around the world, the FC Barcelona international succeeds Désiré Doué and becomes only the second defender to win the award, after Matthijs de Ligt in 2018.

His outstanding season has been defined above all by winning the World Cup, where he established himself as an indispensable member of Luis de la Fuente’s side. The centre-back, who has made 23 international appearances since his Spain debut on 22 March 2024, played every minute of the tournament and was one of the cornerstones of a defence that conceded just one goal. His exceptional performances earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award, capping a year in which he also won the league and Spanish Super Cup and was named in the FIFPRO World 11.

Cubarsí thus becomes the sixth Spanish player to join the Golden Boy roll of honour, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fàbregas (2006), Isco Alarcón (2012), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022) and Lamine Yamal (2024).

Three other Spaniards also featured among the 25 finalists for this year’s award: Marc Bernal, Jon Martín and Xavi Espart.

The Barcelona defender will receive the trophy on 14 December at a ceremony in Turin, Italy, bringing an unforgettable 2026 to a fitting close—a year in which he has reached the pinnacle of world football and established himself as one of the leading talents of his generation.