Barcelona wonderkid admits facing Cristiano Ronaldo would be unforgettable: ‘We all know his history’

Barcelona wonderkid admits facing Cristiano Ronaldo would be unforgettable: ‘We all know his history’ Spain are set to face Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 in what is going to be a clash of generations. One of the oldest players at the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo, is set to come face to face with some of the youngest stars in Spain: Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. Ahead of the encounter, Barcelona defensive ace Cubarsi has spoken with real admiration about Ronaldo ahead of Spain’s meeting with Portugal, admitting that sharing the pitch with the Portuguese legend would be a special moment. Speaking to RNE Deportes , he said: “I came back from injury but I didn’t participate in the Nations League, and I didn’t get to play against Cristiano Ronaldo.” For Cubarsi, that clearly remains something he would like to experience. At just 19, he is already playing on the biggest stages, but facing a figure like Cristiano still carries a different weight. Pau Cubarsi looking forward to battling Cristiano Ronaldo. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Asked whether playing against someone of Ronaldo’s calibre would have a special effect, Cubarsi answered: “Yes, in the end, we all know his history, and everything he has given to football. And being on the pitch with him would be something unforgettable.” A young defender with a unique perspective That is the right tone from a Barcelona player. Barça fans may have lived through years of rivalry with Cristiano during his Real Madrid era, but respect for his career is unavoidable . For Cubarsi, this is not about club rivalry. It is about a young centre-back recognising one of football’s defining players. That perspective says a lot about his maturity. He is not trying to sound arrogant or dismissive. He understands the history of the game, and he knows what it means to test himself against the best. Shirt swap could be difficult Cubarsi also revealed that he would like Cristiano’s shirt after the Portugal match. He said: “I want to swap jerseys with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal match, but surely there’ll be a queue for him.” Cristiano remains one of the most wanted shirt swaps in world football, and rightly so. What he is doing at 41 is not normal. Cubarsi has been brilliant at the World Cup. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) As for Cubarsi, the teenager has already shown he is not afraid of big forwards, physical duels or high-pressure matches. Facing Ronaldo tomorrow and coming out on top would be yet another milestone in his meteoric rise. So far at the tournament, Cubarsi and his central defensive partner Aymeric Laporte have not put a foot wrong. Spain are yet to concede a single goal at the tournament, and their campaign has been built on defensive solidity. Barcelona are lucky to have someone like Cubarsi coming through La Masia , and it remains to be seen how he fares against Portugal tomorrow.