Pau Cubarsí stays top in Golden Boy 2026 race as Xavi Espart enters

Pau Cubarsí continues to lead the way in the race for the Golden Boy 2026. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, in the latest update of the 100 nominees for the Tuttosport award for the best European under-21, the Barça defender holds first place and strengthens his claim.

The piece also points out that Cubarsí was named the best young player at the past World Cup, and that since the start of the season he’s been delivering an excellent level with Barça. It further highlights the club’s wide representation among the candidates: Lamine Yamal is second but cannot win the award after lifting it in 2024; Marc Bernal is in 20th; and Xavi Espart has entered the list for the first time, landing in 50th spot as a new standout from Barça’s academy.

Current ranking snapshot

Mundo Deportivo adds that Ayyoub Bouaddi, a Moroccan midfielder and a Manchester City signing, has climbed into the top three, pushing Yan Diomande (Real Madrid) down to 5th. Warren Zaïre-Emery of PSG remains 4th.

Should Cubarsí ultimately win the Golden Boy 2026, Barça would add another trophy to its cabinet, becoming the fifth club player to take the prize after Leo Messi, Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal, with Mundo Deportivo also noting past winners like Cesc Fàbregas, Sergio Agüero and João Félix—awarded before joining Barça.