Pau Cubarsí Claims the World Cup Young Player Award
Spain’s 19-year-old centre-back, Pau Cubarsí, clinched the prestigious FIFA Best Young Player Award, presented by Aramco, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Barcelona prodigy anchored a legendary backline that historically conceded only a single goal across the entire eight-match tournament.
His elite maturity on the pitch reached its peak during the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where he successfully neutralized Argentina’s attack to secure La Roja’s 1-0 extra-time triumph.
By earning this tournament accolade, the teenager etched his name into football history as the first natural defender to win the prize since its official designation.
Starting all eight matches under manager Luis de la Fuente, Cubarsí formed an impenetrable partnership with Aymeric Laporte.
Together, they logged seven clean sheets to completely suffocate the world’s most dangerous forwards.
The achievement also places Cubarsí in an elite tier of only five teenagers ever to lift the World Cup trophy.
The Aramco-sponsored honour rounds out a historic individual clean sweep for the Spanish champions.
Cubarsí follows an illustrious path blazed by former winners like Kylian Mbappé and Enzo Fernández.
His trophy adds to a Golden Ball for midfield engine Rodri and a Golden Glove for goalkeeper Unai Simón.
This tournament confirms the young defender’s status as a generational cornerstone for both club and country.
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