Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí crowned 2026 Golden Boy

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí, 19, has won the 2026 Golden Boy award, becoming the fourth Barcelona player to receive the honour in six years, following Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal. He succeeds Paris Saint-Germain's Désiré Doué and is the first defender to win the award since Matthijs de Ligt claimed it with Ajax in 2018. Cubarsí earned the accolade after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup in North America — where he was named Young Player of the Tournament with La Roja conceding just one goal in eight games — as well as winning LaLiga with Barcelona.