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Pau Cubarsí, the 19-year-old centre-back from Barcelona, has claimed the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2026. This accolade, bestowed by the Italien newspaper Tuttosport since 2003, honors the best young footballer under 21 playing in Europe. Cubarsí’s victory was announced on the afternoon of Novembre 9 during a ceremony held in Sassuolo, where he stood out overwhelmingly among 25 candidates.
The selection process for the Golden Boy involves a comprehensive evaluation of young talents competing in Europe. Candidates come from the Benchmark list, which ranks players based on their performances, supplemented by five wild card entries to allow for late-emerging stars. The final decision rests with a panel of 30 journalists from across Europe, including representatives from prominent outlets such as Diario AS. Cubarsí received an emphatic majority of votes, highlighting his exceptional status among his peers.
Recognition from Football Icons
Among those praising Cubarsí was Demetrio Albertini, the former Italien international who played for Barcelona in 2005. Albertini remarked on the young defender’s maturity and mental strength: “His mindset at 19 is extraordinary. He is a very strong player who seems Plus like 23 or 24 years old. Barcelona’s policy under Laporta to promote talent from their academy is bearing fruit, and Cubarsí’s performance is outstanding.”
The Golden Boy award, established by Massimo Franchi, has become a benchmark for identifying future football stars. Pau Cubarsí’s achievement this year signals his rise as one of the brightest talents in European football, further cementing Barcelona’s reputation for developing world-class young players.
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