Pau Cubarsí won the 2026 Golden Boy award, which was announced at the Mapei Football Center on 9 November. At 19, he became the first defender since Matthijs de Ligt in 2018 to win it and the fifth Barcelona player to receive the award.
Golden Boy award details
The Golden Boy award is presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport to the best Under-21 player competing in Europe. It was decided by a jury of 50 journalists from Europe, and Cubarsí will collect the award at the Golden Boy gala on 14 December.
Cubarsí's victory speech
In his victory speech, Cubarsí said: “I’m very happy to be the winner of the Golden Boy 2026.”
He added: “The truth is that I’m very proud, first of all I want to thank Tuttosport and the people that voted for me so that I can collect this recognition. I also can’t forget about my friends and family that have always been there for me, not the players and staff of both Barcelona and the Spain national team, because the truth is that without them this wouldn’t be possible and it has been a spectacular year. So, thank you all very much and let’s go for more.”
Recognition for defenders
Cubarsi said: “It's harder for defenders to get recognition... we're less in the spotlight.”
He added: “Perhaps our work isn't as visible because, at the end of the day, the forwards score lots of goals, provide assists, play a more attractive style of football, are more eye-catching.”
Other 2026 honours
Cubarsí helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup and was named the Best Young Player of the Tournament. Barcelona won a second consecutive LaLiga title.
Erling Haaland was named Golden Player, Honest Ahanor received the Italian Golden Boy award, Joan Laporta was named Best President and Andrea Berta was named Best Executive.
