Confirmed: Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy Award

Confirmed: Pau Cubarsi wins 2026 Golden Boy Award It is official. Barcelona teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi has won the 2026 Golden Boy award. Presented by Italian publication Tuttosport , the Golden Boy award is given to the most impressive footballer under the age of 21 in Europe, voted by journalists. In recent years, Barcelona have dominated the Golden Boy prize, with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal among the winners. Now, it is Cubarsi’s turn to bag the acclaimed honour after enjoying an exceptional 2026. The 19-year-old La Masia defender was a key part of the Barcelona side that won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in 2025/26. Following that, the teenage defender excelled with the Spanish national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing an integral role in their triumph in North America. For his exploits, Cubarsi was even named the Best Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup. While he might have been beaten to the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony by teammate Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi has won the Golden Boy award. The Spanish international has won by an overwhelming majority over the other 24 candidates in what is a much deserved recognition of his talent and quality. Cubarsi becomes only the second centre-back to win the honour after Matthijs de Ligt in 2018.