Pau Cubarsí Wins Golden Boy 2026 as Barcelona Extend Record
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí wins the 2026 Golden Boy, becoming only the second defender ever after De Ligt and taking Barça to a record fifth title.
Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí has been officially named the winner of the 2026 Golden Boy, the award given each year to the best young footballer in the world. The Spanish defender now joins a roll of honour packed with names who have gone on to become stars of the modern game, and his win comes with several historic milestones.
A rare triumph for a defender Cubarsí is only the second defender ever to claim the prize. The first was Matthijs de Ligt, who won it in 2018 while anchoring Ajax's back line. In an award that usually goes to forwards and creative midfielders, a La Liga centre-back taking the honour is a rare event.
Spain and Barcelona tighten their grip Cubarsí is also the sixth Spanish player to win the Golden Boy, cementing Spain's status as the most successful nation in the award's history. For Barcelona, it is a fifth winner, making the Catalan club the most decorated team in Golden Boy history. Recent Barça winners include Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022) and Lamine Yamal (2024).
Since 2015, the trophy has gone to Anthony Martial, Renato Sanches, Kylian Mbappé, Matthijs de Ligt, João Félix, Erling Haaland, Pedri, Gavi, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Désiré Doué and now Pau Cubarsí.
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