Each spring, Italy’s Tuttosport reveals Europe’s top under‑21 talent. Three French hopefuls made the 25‑man shortlist, but only one hails from Paris.
Tuttosport has now named the successor to 2025’s Golden Boy Désiré Doué. In my view, the decision underscores Italy’s bias toward home‑grown stars. While some expected a Parisian or Lamine Yamal to dominate, the award can only be won once, and the Spaniard already claimed it in 2024.
The honor goes to Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s centre‑back and Spain international, who also featured for the Kopa Trophy at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony. Lamine Yamal, a three‑time winner, had earlier suggested Cubarsi deserved the prize, even as Harry Kane ultimately took the top honour.
“I’m thrilled and proud,” Cubarsi said in a brief video, thanking Tuttosport, his family, teammates and the staff at Barcelona and Spain for making a spectacular year possible.
The Barcelona triumph adds another chapter to its storied academy. Will the club’s youth pipeline keep producing Golden Boy contenders for years to come?
Other awards were also handed out after votes from journalists across Europe’s major outlets. While the Golden Boy was announced last, Barcelona shone earlier with Joan Laporta named Best President and Jorge Mendes, linked to Lamine Yamal, crowned Best Agent. Erling Haaland and Alessia Russo captured the male and female Golden Player trophies.
Cubarsi becomes the sixth Spaniard to lift the Golden Boy since its 2003 inception. At last year’s ceremony where Désiré Doué was honoured, the 19‑year‑old defender followed legends Cesc Fàbregas (2006), Isco (2012), Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022) and Lamine Yamal (2024).