'Everyone knows': Pau Cubarsí Declares Lamine Yamal the Best Player in the World as Ballon d'Or Race Heats Up
Barcelona's young defender makes the case for his teammate
Pau Cubarsí has added his voice to the growing chorus of support behind Lamine Yamal, declaring that the Barcelona winger is the best footballer on the planet. Speaking to media on Monday, the Blaugrana centre-back was direct when asked about his teammate and close friend's credentials ahead of the looming Ballon d'Or ceremony.
"Everyone knows Lamine is the best player in the world; that's very clear," Cubarsí said, in remarks reported this week.
A spectacular start to the season
Yamal has opened the new campaign in remarkable form. After adding the World Cup to his trophy cabinet over the summer, the 19-year-old has taken his output to another level entirely, amassing 20 direct goal contributions for club and country before mid-October — a pace that has sharpened the debate over who deserves football's most prestigious individual prize.
His production has been central to Hansi Flick's side, with the winger combining international success with decisive contributions in Barcelona's domestic and European fixtures.
An endorsement with history behind it
The praise is not one-directional. In September 2026, Yamal publicly backed Cubarsí as the only man deserving of the Kopa Trophy, writing that "The only winner should be Pau Cubarsí." That public endorsement underscored the bond between the two Barcelona academy graduates, who have become integral figures in Flick's rejuvenated team, with the winner of the award set to be revealed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Days later, in a separate wave of praise dated 12 September 2026, Barcelona sporting director Deco described Cubarsí as "the Lamine of the centre-backs" and "the most impressive talent there is at the moment," with both young stars nominated for the Ballon d'Or and Kopa Trophy.
What comes next
With the ceremony drawing ever closer, the two teammates find themselves at the centre of the awards conversation: Yamal for the senior Ballon d'Or, Cubarsí for the Kopa Trophy. Cubarsí's latest comments ensure the internal campaign for Yamal's recognition will be one of the loudest arguments made before the votes are settled.