Spain's 18-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsi won the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cubarsi, a FC Barcelona product, was a key pillar of Spain's record-setting defence that conceded only one goal in 8 matches (8 clean sheets). His composure, reading of the game, and passing ability belied his age. Along with 19-year-old Lamine Yamal (who won the Golden Ball at Euro 2024), Cubarsi represents an extraordinary new generation of Spanish football talent. He became only the third outfield player to win the FIFA Young Player Award alongside the World Cup title.
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Pau Cubarsi Wins FIFA Young Player Award at WC 2026 — Spain's 18-Year-Old Defender; Partners with Lamine Yamal as Spain's Future
Key Points
- Spain's 18-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsi won the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Cubarsi, a FC Barcelona product, was a key pillar of Spain's record-setting defence that conceded only one goal in 8 matches (8 clean sheets)
- His composure, reading of the game, and passing ability belied his age
- Along with 19-year-old Lamine Yamal (who won the Golden Ball at Euro 2024), Cubarsi represents an extraordinary new generation of Spanish football talent
- He became only the third outfield player to win the FIFA Young Player Award alongside the World Cup title
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• Pau Cubarsi: FIFA Young Player Award, WC 2026; age 18; FC Barcelona central defender • Spain's WC 2026 defence: 8 matches, 8 clean sheets, 1 goal conceded (entire tournament) • Spain's young talents: Cubarsi (18, defender) + Lamine Yamal (19, forward) • Previous Young Player Award winners: Kylian Mbappé (2018), Gavi (2021), Bellingham (2022)
