Barcelona teenager Cubarsi wins Golden Boy award

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has won the Golden Boy award, recognising the best young player in a calendar year. The 19-year-old was honoured after a standout season for club and country, including Spain’s World Cup victory and Barcelona’s second consecutive LaLiga title.

Journalists vote for the award, which is open to players under 21 in a top European division. Cubarsi is the first defender to win since Matthijs de Ligt in 2018 and only the second defender since the award began in 2003. Spain conceded one goal at the World Cup, while Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri have also won the prize since 2021; Real Madrid and Sweden forward Felicia Schroeder won the Golden Girl award.