FIFA president showers praise on Pau Cubarsi after spectacular World Cup: ‘Extraordinary’

FIFA president showers praise on Pau Cubarsi after spectacular World Cup: ‘Extraordinary’ Spain’s defensive record in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup was simply unbelievable as they kept seven clean sheets and just conceded one goal in the entire competition. Barcelona’s young Pau Cubarsi was one of the mainstays in that resilient defence, and did exceedingly well as a teenager to keep his cool and perform under the highest of pressure. Eventually, he was even rewarded for his exploits and named the best young player of the World Cup. Infantino’s message of praise Now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to his official Instagram account to appreciate the Barcelona defender and put his numbers into perspective. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gianni Infantino – FIFA President (@gianni_infantino) “At only 19 years old, Pau Cubarsí had an extraordinary participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the Spanish national team, becoming the first defender to win the FIFA Young Player Award!,” he began. He then reaffirmed that Cubarsi’s role in helping Spain keep seven clean sheets in eight games would go down in the history books, especially given the player’s age. “After having contributed to keeping the goal at zero in seven games of the entire competition, his fundamental role in a defense that only conceded one goal will go down in history.” Who will partner Cubarsi next season? At this point, the young World Cup winner is Barcelona’s only guaranteed centre-back ahead of the new season, and it remains to be seen who starts the campaign as his partner-in-crime. Who will partner Cubarsi next season? (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Gerard Martin would appear to be the best placed given their coordination and chemistry last season, but Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Alvaro Cortes all remain options. The club could well, however, make another centre-back signing with Cuti Romero and Aymeric Laporte being closely linked with the club. If one of the two players arrives, they will undoubtedly jump to the top of the pecking order and join Cubarsi. In any case, it is clear that Cubarsi will have to step up as Barcelona’s leader at the back next season and will be the spine of the department. A veteran and experienced partner, however, will benefit him, as was clear in the World Cup where he blossomed alongside Laporte.