FC Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has been named the winner of the 2026 Golden Boy Award, recognizing him as the best young player in European football. The announcement comes after a breakthrough season in which the 19-year-old centre-back established himself as a regular starter for Barcelona.
A photograph from May 10, 2026 shows Cubarsi celebrating at Spotify Camp Nou after Barcelona defeated Real Madrid to secure the LaLiga title. The Golden Boy award, organized by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is voted on by journalists across Europe and has previously been won by players such as Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and Erling Haaland.
