English Premier League
Pau Cubarsi makes history as FIFA’s first young player award-winning defender
Pau Cubarsi has been named FIFA’s Best Young Player after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup, completing a landmark tournament for the Barcelona defender at the age of 19.
Cubarsi played a central role in Spain’s successful campaign and was one of the foundations of a defence that produced outstanding results throughout the competition. Spain kept seven clean sheets across the World Cup and conceded only one goal, statistics that underline the importance of the Barcelona player’s contribution to their route to the title.
His achievement also earned public praise from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who highlighted both the defender’s individual award and his influence on Spain’s remarkable defensive record.
“Better late than never,” Infantino wrote in a message to Cubarsi on social media.
“At just 19 years of age, Pau Cubarsi enjoyed an exceptional 2026 World Cup with Spain, becoming the first defender to win the FIFA Best Young Player award! Having helped keep seven clean sheets throughout the tournament, he will also go down in history for his key role in a defence that conceded just one goal.”
Cubarsi’s influence was not limited to the numbers. The Barcelona defender displayed confidence in possession, the ability to defend well away from his own penalty area and a level of footballing maturity beyond his years.
Throughout the tournament, he appeared as a fully developed defender capable of dealing with the world’s leading attackers. His performances established him as an essential part of the side that became world champions, while the award recognised his standing among the competition’s most impressive young players.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Cubarsi was one of the key figures in Spain’s defensive strength during the tournament. His contribution to seven clean sheets formed part of a defensive record that proved decisive as Spain progressed to the World Cup title.
The award is particularly significant because Cubarsi has become the first defender to receive FIFA’s Best Young Player honour. In doing so, he has added an individual milestone to a tournament in which he won the World Cup with Spain and helped create one of the strongest defensive records of the competition.
Infantino’s message brought the tournament to a close for Cubarsi on a memorable note. At only 19, the Barcelona defender has already become a world champion, collected FIFA’s award for the best young player and secured his place in the history of the prize.
His World Cup performance has also strengthened his reputation as one of the outstanding young defenders in international football. Having made such a significant impact on the biggest stage, Cubarsi now has further history ahead of him to write.
