Although Pau Cubarsi was the favourite to win the Golden Boy award, that’s never a guarantee that he would go on to win it.
However, justice has prevailed, and the right man was crowned in this instance.
It’s often forgotten that Cubarsi is still only 19 years of age, given that he’s played 141 times for Barcelona in all competitions already.
Not only that, but he has long been one of the lynchpins of Hansi Flick’s Barca, and that is an incredible testament to the quality that he brings to the team.
After all, the high defensive line that Flick insists upon can only work if the players who are tasked with making it a success are supremely confident in their own ability.
Unless he’s been injured, Cubarsi has been one of the first names down on the team sheet each week, alongside the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
What’s mildly amusing is that the player looks like butter wouldn’t melt, but he’s as fierce a warrior as could be, and won’t give an inch in the heat of battle.
The reason he was a favourite for this award was thanks to another sterling season at club level, where he helped Barca to a second successive La Liga title, and an incredible showing for Spain during the World Cup, a tournament which they won, and in which they conceded only one goal.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere during the quarter-final was the only opposition player to find the net, with Cubarsi being a huge part of why La Roja kept clean sheets in their other seven games during the premier FIFA competition.
The maturity in his game is beyond compare, and Barca are truly blessed to have such a player in their ranks. Given that defenders are often the unsung heroes, it’s great to see Cubarsi getting the credit he deserves.
Whilst there’s an elegance to his play and his pass completion is in keeping with what’s expected of a Barca player, he isn’t averse to booting the ball into row Z when the situation requires it.
Indeed, if the dark arts are needed in order for the ball to be won, don’t be at all surprised to see Cubarsi practising them.
A captain in the making, being crowned as the 2026 Golden Boy is just more recognition of his talent.
Bravo!
