Pau Cubarsi Wins 2026 Golden Boy Award as Barcelona Extends Club Record
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi won the Golden Boy award for the 2026 edition, securing the latest trophy for the club in the annual under-21 award presented by Italian outlet Tuttosport.
The Latest Triumph
Cubarsi earned the honor as the best footballer under the age of 21 playing in a top European league. The win offers a bright spot for Barcelona fans following a rough few weeks for the squad.
Winning the Golden Boy award serves as an indicator of an incoming stellar career. Past winners include high-profile names such as Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney, and Mario Gotze.
Recent Dominance
Cubarsi’s victory means Barcelona players have claimed four of the last six editions of the Golden Boy awards. Pedri started the trend by winning in 2021, and Gavi followed a year later in 2022.
Lamine Yamal took the prize in 2024 before Cubarsi added his name to the roll of honor. Jude Bellingham won in 2023, and Desire Doue took the 2025 honor as the only players to break the Catalan streak during this period.
Historical Standings
Cubarsi’s win extends Barcelona’s lead in the historical standings as the most successful club in the award’s history. Five Barcelona players have now lifted the trophy, putting the club ahead of Manchester United, which sits second with three winners.
Lionel Messi won the award in 2005 at age 17. Messi remains the sole recipient of the Golden Boy award who has subsequently won the Ballon d’Or.
Past Close Contenders
Several other club talents came close to winning the trophy in previous years. Bojan Krkic finished third in 2009, and Ansu Fati reached the finalist stage in 2020.
Former Barcelona academy products Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin also earned nominations during their respective tenures at Arsenal. Beyond the player awards, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta won the president of the year honor.
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