The LLM Podcast

September 01, 2025
Next podcast at 07:30 IST
Abhinav Ennazhiyil

Barcelona's Teen Sensations Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí Crowned World's Top U20 Players

Barcelona's Teen Sensations Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí Crowned World's Top U20 Players

La Liga giants FC Barcelona are currently home to the two most promising Under-20 talents in world football, according to a recent authoritative ranking by the CIES Football Observatory. The prestigious list places the dazzling forward Lamine Yamal at its pinnacle, with his equally impressive teammate and close friend, Pau Cubarsí, securing the second spot.

Lamine Yamal, at just 18 years old, has not only taken the football world by storm but is already being heralded by many as arguably the best player on the planet. His explosive rise to prominence and consistent high-level performances have made him an indispensable asset for Barcelona.

Closely following Yamal is Pau Cubarsí, also 18, who has rapidly cemented his position as a regular starter in Hansi Flick's lineup for Barcelona. Cubarsí's maturity and defensive prowess belie his young age, making him a cornerstone for the club's future defense.

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal

The CIES ranking, which utilizes sophisticated data from the 'Impect' platform, rigorously evaluated young talents globally, concluding that Barcelona possesses an unparalleled concentration of elite youth. This recognition underscores Barcelona's continued commitment to nurturing homegrown talent through its famed La Masia academy.

The top 10 also features other highly-rated young stars who are making waves in European football. These include Real Madrid's recent acquisition Franco Mastantuono, Arsenal's promising midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Chelsea's new defensive talent Jorrel Hato, showcasing the exciting future of the sport.