At just 19 years old, Spain and Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi won the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award for the 2026 World Cup, anchoring a dominant Spanish defense that conceded only one goal across the entire tournament en route to the title.
Defensive Anchor for Champion Spain
Cubarsà played every minute of Spain’s knockout stage matches, forming a formidable partnership at the back.
The teenage sensation neutralized elite attackers throughout the tournament, including Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
CubarsĂ became the youngest central defender in football history to start and win a World Cup final.
Tournament Performance and Record
Started all eight matches for Spain, playing every single minute of their 2026 campaign.
Helped secure seven clean sheets, with their only conceded goal coming in a 2-1 quarter-final win against Belgium.
Became the first-ever defensive player to win the Best Young Player award at a World Cup.
Joined an elite group as one of only five teenagers to win a World Cup trophy.
