Pau Cubarsí tops early 2026 Golden Boy ranking

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona currently sits atop the standings for the next Golden Boy award, with Italian outlet Tuttosport confirming Pau Cubarsí is leading the pack for the 2026 prize.

Cubarsí is fresh off a summer to remember on the international stage after playing a central role in Barcelona retaining their La Liga crown. The 19-year-old emerged as one of Spain’s most vital contributors en route to clinching glory at the World Cup.

Alongside Athletic Club’s Aymeric Laporte, Cubarsí allowed just a solitary goal to make its way into the Spanish net across eight fixtures. Shining on both sides of the ball, the stopper continued to build on his reputation as arguably the best young central defender in world football.

Golden Boy shortlist revealed

The Golden Boy, handed out on an annual basis by Tuttosport, is a prestigious prize awarded to ‘the best player under 21 years old that plays in any of the European top tier leagues’.

The current shortlist for the accolade was revealed on Tuesday, and confirmed that Cubarsí sits in first place, ahead of Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal — ineligible owing to his status as a previous winner — and Real Madrid summer signing Yan Diomandé.

Cubarsí’s defensive consistency at club and international level has propelled him to the top of the early 2026 race.