Pau Cubarsí wins the 2026 Golden Boy award
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, 19, picked up the Golden Boy after a Europe-wide journalists' vote; ceremony set for 14 December in Turin.
Pau Cubarsí has been named the recipient of the 2026 Golden Boy award, the annual prize organised by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport that recognises Europe’s best young footballer.
The 19-year-old Barcelona defender won the vote held among journalists across the continent, receiving broad support for his performances despite his young age.
Second defender to lift the trophy
Cubarsí becomes only the second defender to win the Golden Boy, after Matthijs de Ligt in 2018. The Barcelona academy graduate is also the fifth player from the club to claim the prize, following Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022) and Lamine Yamal (2024).
The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 14 December 2026 in Turin.
Journalists from across Europe were polled for this year’s selection; Cubarsí’s defensive displays and rapid rise at club level earned him a decisive share of votes.
Photo: press material from the event
