Barcelona teenager Cubarsi wins Golden Boy award

Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi with the Golden Boy award after being named the best young player of the year. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has won the Golden Boy award, rounding off a hugely successful year with club and country just two months before turning 20.

Cubarsi played a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph and was named FIFA Young Player of the Tournament. He also marshalled the Barcelona backline as the club clinched a second straight La Liga title.

The Golden Boy is chosen by a vote of journalists and goes to the best young player of a calendar year. To be eligible, players must be under 21 and play in a top European division.

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“I’m very proud to receive the award and I thank all the people that voted for me,” Cubarsi said in a video broadcast by Tuttosport at the awards ceremony.

“It’s been a spectacular year and we’re going for more,” Cubarsi added.

The 19-year-old is the first defender to claim the award since Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt in 2018, and only the second since it began in 2003.

“It’s harder for defenders to get recognition... we’re less in the spotlight,” Cubarsi told Reuters.

“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.”

Spain lifted the World Cup in North America this year while conceding just one goal in the entire tournament.

Cubarsi joins his Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri, who have all won the award since 2021.

Real Madrid and Sweden forward Felicia Schroeder was named the Golden Girl.