Barcelona continue to dominate the Golden Boy awards following Pau Cubarsi triumph

Barcelona continue to dominate the Golden Boy awards following Pau Cubarsi triumph After a rough few weeks, Barcelona fans have some reason to celebrate as defender Pau Cubarsi has won the Golden Boy award for the 2026 edition. The prestigious trophy, awarded every year by Italian outlet Tuttosport, recognises the best footballer under the age of 21 playing in a top European league. And the trophy has become something of a Barcelona specialty in recent years. Thanks to Cubarsi’s triumph this evening, the Catalans have firmly cemented its status as the most decorated club since the inception of the award. Barcelona’s stranglehold in the trophy Cubarsi’s triumph this evening means Barcelona players have now won four of the last six editions of Golden Boy awards. A well deserved accoldate for Pau Cubarsi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Pedri started the trend by winning in 2021 with Gavi following a year later. Lamine Yamal then took the prize in 2024 and now Cubarsi has added his name to the roll of honour. Jude Bellingham in 2023 and Desire Doue in 2025 have been the only players who were able to win among this Barcelona dominance. This is a great sign for Barcelona, as winning the Golden Boy is no mean feat and likely an indicator that one is going to have an incredible career. Some of the past winners, after all, include the likes of Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney and Mario Gotze. The most successful club in Golden Boy history Cubarsi’s win also helps Barcelona extend their lead in the historical standings. Lamine Yamal won the Golden Boy award in 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) In total, five Barcelona players have lifted the Golden Boy award, more than any other club in Europe. The list features a 17-year-old Lionel Messi, who won it in 2005. Interestingly, Messi remains the only recipient who has gone on to win the Ballon d’Or. Manchester United six next on the list with three winners. Barcelona have also had several players who went close to winning the trophy, including Bojan Krkic, who finished third in 2009 and Ansu Fati, who was a finalist in 2020. Former Barcelona academy products Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin were both nominated during their time at Arsenal. Apart from the Golden Boy, Barcelona have also dominated the event in general, with Joan Laporta winning the president of the year .