Pau Cubarsi talks World Cup heroics, Golden Boy and Premier League – “Would like to play UCL at Anfield”

Pau Cubarsi talks World Cup heroics, Golden Boy and Premier League – “Would like to play UCL at Anfield” At the age of just 19, Pau Cubarsi has established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe right now. The Barcelona star most recently won the prestigious Golden Boy award by Tuttosport, thereby maintaining the dominance Barça have had lately. Currently on international duty with Spain, Cubarsi recently sat down with The Athletic to discuss the key milestones of his career, including the World Cup triumph in the summer, among other things. Cubarsi on the World Cup tackle Cubarsi has grown as a footballer in past two years. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) While Spain did win the World Cup, it wouldn’t have been possible without Cubarsi’s crucial 120th minute tackle on Marcos Senesi, which stopped Argentina from forcing penalties. “I remember Messi with the ball by the edge of the box and Simeone making a run behind our back line. There was a little disconnection, but as soon as Messi made the pass, I took a quick glance at my surroundings to orient myself,” he said about the tackle. “I spotted Merino next to me and Senesi trying to attack the space between Merino and myself. I realised Senesi was in a dangerous position, and as soon as Simeone started the motion to cross the ball, I knew I had to jump to Senesi with everything I had in me and let God decide what would happen.” Cubarsi said that it was a do or die moment, as he revealed how he felt after seeing that the ball did not find the back of the net. “I kicked the ball out and fell to the pitch, totally exhausted. I kept my head buried in the grass, not even looking back. I realised there was no crazy noise in the stands and then raised one of my eyes to check our own goal. “The ball was not in the back of the net, and I exhaled in relief. My first thought was: ‘OK, one less action to defend before becoming a world champion’, ” he added. Cubarsi offered his thoughts on winning the best young player of the tournament award at the FIFA World Cup. “I was astonished. You try to realise what you’ve done, although it’s difficult. I wasn’t really thinking about whether I could win it before the final. “I knew there was a chance because not many young players get to the World Cup final, but my only aim was to be at my best and help Spain become champions ,” he said. He also recalled the 93rd-minute challenge that saw Enzo Fernandez sent off. “There was a loose ball, 50-50 tackle and both of us went full-on. I got to the ball first and then got flipped around in the air, but I don’t even remember it. “I found out about it as soon as my body hit the ground. When I was in the air, I felt like my mind was floating, too. I hurt my wrist a bit, but in a World Cup final, adrenaline keeps you going through anything.” On the Golden Boy and his role models As mentioned earlier, Cubarsi has also recently won the Golden Boy award, which is quite impressive given his credentials as a centre-back. Cubarsi won the Golden Boy award 2026. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) “When you’re young, awards like the Golden Boy or the Kopa trophy are dreams and I am so pleased to have won this one now. It means our season with Barca and Spain was very good, but also that I am on the right track ,” he said. Having finished 12th in the Ballon d’Or as the highest-placed centre-back, he made a heartfelt case for defenders to receive greater recognition. “Us defenders are not too eye-catching. People prefer strikers or wingers, or anyone who scores and assists, and I get it. “The ones who play in defence do more of the dirty work. I would like to see our roles a bit more recognised. Not for me, but to see any defender getting the plaudits they deserve, because we do a very important job ,” he added. Cubarsi was also asked about his role models, to which the Barcelona defender named two of the club legends. “When I was a kid, I looked up to Carles Puyol. My role models are Puyol and Gerard Pique. I like both profiles: the gritty defender and the ball-playing one. Pique played more of a role in the build-up, but Puyol was key in terms of mentality and character.” The Spanish international also mentioned Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk as more of a current generation role model. “I have looked up a lot to Virgil van Dijk in recent years. But I also tend to look at myself a lot and analyse my performances. I am very self-critical when I make a mistake. During the game, you are aware of every action, whether you’ve been good or not. “I am very self-demanding and beat myself up with stuff I can polish from my game, in a positive way. Not that the next day I lose confidence, quite the opposite. I keep going with the same mindset and try to minimise mistakes.” Cubarsi on life away from football Off the pitch, Cubarsi remains grounded, as he comes from a tiny Catalan village of Estanyol. He spoke about how his success allowed his parents to retire. “The family business is still going; my uncle and cousin are running it. My dad is not working there anymore, so he can come to the games with me and enjoy his life. Cubarsi says he is taking English lessons. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “Both my parents have retired. The fact that I could help with that, as a son, makes me very proud. We can enjoy this life all together, because if I’m where I am right now, it is because of the sacrifices they made.” Now living alone for the first time, the teenager offered an insight into his day-to-day routine, notably revealing that he is learning English. “I will have to cook a bit more, but that’s fine. I’m actually not bad at cooking, I’m far from a Michelin-star chef, but I enjoy cooking different types of pasta, eating a lot of rice and preparing fish in the air fryer. I have my own resources!” “I’m taking English lessons, too. I like to practise it and I’m getting better. I can understand everything and with Flick, I speak in English every day. I am not at the point of being able to do a full interview in English yet, but I’m getting there.” Cubarsi also revealed that he is quite fond of cars, but his parents often scoff at the idea of him owning cars at 19. “I like cars, and every now and then I look at new ones. But my parents don’t like the idea of me being just 19 and driving around in an extravagant car. They told me to wait some more, get older, gain more experience and then I’ll have time to buy a fancy car.” The defender spoke about the upcoming game between Spain and England, where he will face the Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane. “I have played two times against Kane, and it’s very tough to mark him. He is such a clever player, everybody can see it, but physically he is big, strong and uses his body so well. “ I would say Kane is my favourite England player. Anthony Gordon as well, of course.” Finally, Cubarsi stated that he does follow the Premier League and wants to play Champions League football at Anfield. “I’ve always followed the Premier League. If I had to pick a favourite stadium? I’d like to play in a big Champions League night at Anfield. That has to be an impressive experience ,” he concluded.