Golden Boy Pau Cubarsi: prestigious award goes to a defender after eight years
Barcelona and Spain defender Pau Cubarsi has won the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2026 as Europe's best under-21 footballer. The rising young footballer earned the recognition at just 19 years of age.
He is the first defender to win the award in eight long years. The last defender to win it was the Netherlands' De Ligt in 2018.
The winner was decided by votes from 30 leading sports journalists across Europe, and Cubarsi won by finishing ahead of everyone.
With this achievement, Spanish giants Barcelona maintained their dominance among young footballers. Before him, Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal had won the award for the Catalan club since 2021.
Including Cubarsi, a total of six players in Spanish football history have now had the honour of winning this prestigious award.
A defender winning the Golden Boy is a rare event, because attacking players usually lead the race for this award. Cubarsi's victory therefore carries special significance in breaking that trend.
His consistent performances for Barcelona and his place in the Spain national team are seen as the reasons behind this recognition. Winning the crown of Europe's best young footballer at just 19 is a major milestone in his career.
Through the 2026 Golden Boy award, Cubarsi has firmly established himself among Europe's young stars. His role in the defences of Barcelona and Spain is expected to become even more important in the coming seasons.
