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Barcelona center back Pau Cubarsí has been named the 2026 Golden Boy winner, becoming the fourth Barça player to claim the coveted prize within the past six years.
The accolade, established by Italian publication Tuttosport, is presented each year to the finest U–21 talent playing across Europe. Since the shortlist of 25 nominees was announced in October, Cubarsí had been widely regarded as the frontrunner. The La Masia product will officially receive his trophy at the Golden Boy gala on Monday, Dec. 14.
Unlike the Kopa Trophy—the Ballon d'Or's equivalent for young players—the Golden Boy cannot be won more than once. This meant Cubarsí faced no competition from Lamine Yamal, who himself admitted the Kopa Trophy should have gone to his club and international teammate after claiming it for a third consecutive year two weeks ago. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old defender rightfully became the 25th recipient of the Golden Boy award.
"I'm extremely happy to be named the 2026 Golden Boy winner," Cubarsí said during his acceptance speech. "I'm truly proud, and first of all I want to thank Tuttosport and everyone who voted for me to receive this recognition.
𝗣𝗔𝗨 𝗖𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗜, 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲✨ pic.twitter.com/y4LljnnhOg
"I also have to thank my friends and family who have always stood by me, as well as the players and staff at both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, because without them none of this would have been possible. It's been a truly remarkable year. Thank you all so much — let's keep pushing for more."
Cubarsí played a key role as Barcelona successfully defended their La Liga crown in 2025–26, before shining on the global stage with Spain at the 2026 World Cup, featuring in every single minute of the tournament as La Roja conceded just one goal on their way to a second world championship. It came as no surprise when Cubarsí was handed the Best Young Player of the Tournament award.
On the very day he became the youngest center back ever included in FIFPRO's 2026 World XI, Cubarsí also became the first defender to win the Golden Boy this decade, further cementing Barcelona's extraordinary legacy with the award.
The Golden Boy Award Is Barcelona Heritage
Cubarsí is now the fifth Barcelona player to lift the Golden Boy award—more than any other club in history—joining the ranks of Lionel Messi, Pedri, Gavi, and Yamal.
Even more striking is the fact that Barcelona players have claimed the Golden Boy four times in just the last six years. Messi first won the prize back in 2005, and following a 16-year gap, Barça have since become near-exclusive holders of the honor.
Pedri claimed the award in 2021 after a stunning debut campaign in Catalonia, during which he began to hint at his potential to become the world's finest midfielder. The following year, Gavi took the prize after a breakout season under Ronald Koeman and Xavi Hernández. At that point, the then-18-year-old set the record as the youngest-ever Golden Boy winner.
That record was short-lived, as after Jude Bellingham claimed it in 2023, Yamal burst onto the scene spectacularly, helping Spain triumph at Euro 2024. Months later, he became the first and only 17-year-old to ever win the Golden Boy.
Following Paris Saint-Germain's Désiré Doué claiming the prize in 2025, Cubarsí now reasserts Barcelona's grip on the Golden Boy. In the past six years alone, Barcelona's four wins surpass any other club's total since the award was first introduced.
With Marc Bernal and especially Xavi Espart—both nominees this year—growing stronger with each match, it would be no shock if Barcelona's dominance carries into 2027, with another member of the club's celebrated 2007 generation lifting the award.
It stands as a testament to Barcelona's unmatched academy and the first team's longstanding commitment to trusting young talent. For a period, that core Barça philosophy seemed to have faded, but since 2021 it has once again become a cornerstone of the club. In 2026, the player who helped inspire Barcelona's return to their roots was fittingly honored with a Golden Boy award of his own.
Joan Laporta Named European Golden Boy Best President
Our president, Joan Laporta, named 'European Golden Boy Best President' by Tuttosport. pic.twitter.com/3U2CxySWmO
Barcelona president Joan Laporta received the Best President Award at the 2026 Golden Boy ceremony.
Since making his return to the club in 2021 when Barcelona were teetering on the edge of financial collapse and struggling on the pitch, Laporta has been instrumental in driving the club's revival. With the Catalans severely constrained economically, Laporta prioritized reinvigorating La Masia as the primary pipeline for first-team talent — and the results have been undeniable.
In 2025–26, Barcelona claimed La Liga for the second consecutive season and the third time in four years. Over the past two seasons, the club has won five of the six available domestic trophies.
Meanwhile, Barcelona Femení claimed the quadruple for the second time in three years, continuing to make an irrefutable case as the finest women's club in the world.
Over the summer, eight Barcelona players featured in Luis de la Fuente's World Cup-winning Spain squad. Three more — Víctor Muñoz, Marc Cucurella, and Alejandro Grimaldo — had previously come through La Masia during their youth careers.
After years of financial difficulties, Barcelona were finally able to operate without economic restrictions during the summer transfer window, having satisfied both La Liga and UEFA's financial fair play requirements for the first time in four years.
He remains a divisive figure who occasionally operates in grey areas, yet it is hard to dispute the results Laporta has delivered since his return. His contributions were recognized at the 2026 Golden Boy awards, and having secured re-election in the spring, Laporta will remain Barcelona's president through to 2031.