Pau Cubarsí: It's Harder for Defenders to Get Recognition

Spain and Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí wants defenders to claim their share of football's glamorous individual honours, but a World Cup winner's medal grants him no special privileges at home, where the Barcelona teenager still bickers with his sister over household chores.

The 19-year-old Spain centre-back is mounting a serious challenge to the forwards who typically dominate individual awards, having played every minute of his country's 2026 World Cup triumph and picked up the tournament's Best Young Player award.

He now leads the race for the Golden Boy award, presented to Europe's best under-21 player and won by a defender only once (Matthijs de Ligt in 2018) since its inception in 2003.

"It's harder for defenders to get recognition; we are in the spotlight less often," Cubarsí said in an interview with Reuters. "Perhaps our work isn't as visible because, at the end of the day, forwards score a lot of goals, provide assists, play more attractive football, and draw more attention."

Spain conceded just one goal throughout the World Cup campaign, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final while preventing their opponents from registering a single shot on target across 120 minutes. Cubarsí also led the match in touches and completed passes, underlining his ability to build play rather than merely disrupt the opposition.

Asked whether he sees himself as a defender or a playmaker, he chose both: "Playmaking also starts with the goalkeeper and the defenders—that is where the moves and the team's rhythm begin. But I also love defending; I love going into tackles. I think I combine a bit of both."

He looks up to former Barcelona captains Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué as role models—the former for his leadership and character, the latter for his ball-distribution qualities. "I've never been the type of player to play dirty. If I need to challenge for the ball, I will, but without malice—always aiming to win possession. I believe that intensity and character shouldn't be lost, because they are crucial for a defender," Cubarsí added.

Off the pitch, he prefers a quieter lifestyle shaped by growing up in a Girona village of just 187 residents and coming from a family of carpenters whose lessons in discipline left a lasting impression. Living near Barcelona's training ground is convenient, though adapting to the bustle of the city itself has proved more demanding.

"Whenever I can, I go back to my village. I really enjoy finding peace in the simple things, out in nature—just being there, feeling at peace with myself, and living in the moment," Cubarsí admitted.

His ambitions extend beyond football, with plans to study business administration. For now, he practices his English whenever he can find time between training sessions and matches. "It's also important to keep developing as a person, because unfortunately life isn't just about football and you need to have other experiences," the teenager added.

His upcoming sporting targets are certainly not modest: winning the Nations League with Spain and lifting the Champions League with Barcelona. Individual accolades would also be welcome, but Cubarsí views recognition for defenders as a cause bigger than himself. "I also believe that even if it isn't me, other centre-backs can fight for these awards. It shows that we are performing at the highest level too," he concluded.