Pau Cubarsi named 2026 Golden Boy

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi was named the 2026 Golden Boy by Italian publication Tuttosport on November 9, 2026. The 19-year-old received the award given to the leading Under-21 player in European football.

Cubarsi, a La Masia graduate, emerged from a 25-man shortlist that had been trimmed from an original list of 100 candidates; the final selection was made by an international panel of 50 journalists from Europe's major media outlets. The accolade continued a run of recognition for Barcelona youth products.

He finished ahead of several high-profile young players, including Endrick and Yan Diomande of Real Madrid, Chelsea forward Estevao, PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, and his Barcelona teammates Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal. The race had been closely contested across the continent.

The award followed a season in which Cubarsi was instrumental in Hansi Flick’s side winning both the LaLiga title and the Spanish Super Cup. His contributions at club level were cited alongside his wider form in discussions about the prize.

At international level, Cubarsi started in the final of the tournament that Spain won and was named the tournament's best young player. Those performances were noted as part of his overall case for the Golden Boy.

He was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or this summer, adding a senior-level recognition to his season of honours and nominations.

The Golden Boy prize formally recognises the top Under-21 footballer playing in Europe.