Accustomed to bringing out many gems from its training center, especially in recent seasons, FC Barcelona is forced by injuries to focus on youth this season. Besides Fermin Lopez (20 years old) and Lamine Yamal (16 years old) who have been in the team since this summer, others like Hector Fort (17 years old) or Marc Guiu (18 years old) had their chance during the season . But another player has been doing well for several weeks, at least slowly becoming essential in Xavi's eleven, it is Pau Cubarsí . Aged 17, the central defender under contract until June 2026 has made eight starts in the last nine La Liga matches with FC Barcelona. Performing well in these matches, the native of Estanyol continues and particularly convinces Xavi.
“Cubarsí is intelligent. He knows when to fight and when not to fight. He has not lost a single duel against players stronger than him. Spectacular (…) he doesn't look like he's 17 years old” did not fail to greet the Spanish technician this Friday after the Catalans' victory against Mallorca (1-0). A great mark of confidence for the Spanish coach which should allow him to discover the Champions League against Naples this Tuesday. Even if he did not confirm whether he had decided between him and Inigo Martinez: “I cannot comment on the squad, I did not tell the players either. No matter who plays, we have the guarantee that the defenses will play well. Teammate of Pau Cubarsí, Robert Lewandowski is also in shock at the calm and presence of his young comrade: “it has been a long time since I saw a central defender, especially at this age, break the lines with this touch balloon and with so much tranquility. He's a great person. He’s a boy who really likes to work and who can progress.”
The Spanish selection and a record contract are available to him
Praised by all sides, Pau Cubarsí is not disoriented, already last October when he played with the FC Barcelona reserve, he made everyone agree. His coach at the time Rafa Marquez imagined him reaching the next level soon, but certainly not as quickly. “Pau surprises me. That he has this character, this temperament, this way of playing, this quality. It’s a profile that we must continue to work on, because he has a profile to reach the high level” explained Rafa Marquez last October. With technical ease, solidity in his interventions and good placement, Pau Cubarsí was able to take more protagonism alongside Ronald Araujo or Inigo Martinez (whom he really competes with). If the Basque has the experience that speaks for him, the gap between the two men remains quite small and creates a lot of headaches for Xavi.
If his emergence was expected, the speed of it and the fact that he exceeds the expectations placed on him surprise both FC Barcelona and the Spanish selection. U17 international (17 caps) and quarter-finalist of the last World Cup in this age category, Pau Cubarsí could quickly move up the ranks. Preselected in A by coach Luis de la Fuente, he could find himself on his list next Friday. If necessary, he is expected in the U21 team where he will be able to perform at a higher level than the one at which he has played until then. Besides that, the question of his contract will be important. While his lease still runs until June 2026, the player received an offer to extend for four additional years with a release clause of one billion euros. Insane figures which reflect the Catalan club's desire to bet on him for the future. At only 17 years old, Pau Cubarsí is convincing everyone.