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Article Summary
Pau Cubarsí is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a center-back for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team. Born in Estanyol, Girona, Catalonia, on 22 January 2007, Cubarsí joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2018 at age 11. He made his first-team debut on 18 January 2024 at just 16 years old in the Copa del Rey. Since then, he has become a defensive pillar for Barcelona, making over 100 appearances and winning multiple titles, including La Liga (2025, 2026), the Copa del Rey (2025), and two Spanish Super Cups. On the international stage, Cubarsí won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has become a starter for Spain. At the 2026 World Cup, he started every match, helping Spain concede just one goal in six games and keep five clean sheets, earning the tournament’s Best Young Player award. He signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2029 with a €500 million release clause. He is in a relationship with Martina Riera. His net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Pau Cubarsí Paredes was born on 22 January 2007 in Estanyol, a small village in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. He grew up in a close-knit family environment, far removed from the noise that now accompanies his professional career. His father, Robert Cubarsí, runs a local carpentry business, and his mother, Gloria Paredes, raised him alongside his older sister, Irene. Catalan is Cubarsí’s first language, and he still speaks it most often with his family.
Cubarsí’s passion for football emerged at a very young age. He began his journey playing for local grassroots clubs before joining Girona FC’s youth academy. On 1 July 2018, at just 11 years old, he made the move to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he would begin his rapid ascent through the ranks.
Club Career
Barcelona (2018-Present)
Cubarsí joined Barcelona’s youth system in 2018 and progressed rapidly through the age groups. He played for Barça Atlètic, the reserve team, during the 2023/24 season, making nine appearances. His maturity and composure on the ball caught the attention of then-first-team coach Xavi Hernández.
First-Team Debut and Breakthrough
Cubarsí made his competitive debut for Barcelona’s first team on 18 January 2024, at just 16 years old, in a Copa del Rey last-32 match against Unionistas de Salamanca. Coming on at half-time, he provided an assist for Jules Koundé. Just three days later, he made his La Liga debut away at Real Betis.
His Champions League debut came on 12 March 2024 against Napoli in the round of 16. He was named Man of the Match by UEFA at just 17 years, two months, and 20 days old.
Under new manager Hansi Flick in the 2024/25 season, Cubarsí cemented his place as a starter. He made 56 appearances that season, winning his first major honors: the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the La Liga title. He scored his first goal for the club in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid.
In the 2025/26 season, Cubarsí helped Barcelona retain the La Liga title and win another Spanish Super Cup. On 18 October 2026, he reached 100 competitive appearances for the club in a Copa del Rey match against Guadalajara. His appearances included 67 in La Liga, 22 in the Champions League, 9 in the Copa del Rey, and 2 in the Spanish Super Cup.
Contract Extension
In February 2025, Cubarsí signed a contract extension with Barcelona through June 2029, with a staggering €500 million ($519.8 million) release clause. Barcelona’s statement praised him as a “resolute defender” who “reads the game very well and can play line-breaking passes worthy of the best midfielders.”
International Career
Youth Level and Olympic Gold
Cubarsí represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, U17, and U21 teams. In the summer of 2024, he claimed a gold medal playing for Spain in the Paris Olympics.
Senior Debut
Cubarsí received his first call-up to the senior Spain national team in March 2024. He made his debut on 22 March 2024 in a friendly against Colombia, becoming the youngest defender ever to debut for Spain.
2026 World Cup
Cubarsí was selected for Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. He started every match of the tournament, playing every minute as Spain reached the final. Spain conceded only one goal in their six matches and kept five clean sheets. Cubarsí’s partnership with Aymeric Laporte was a key factor in Spain’s defensive solidity. He was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, becoming the first defender ever to win the award. As of June 2026, he has earned 15 caps for Spain.
Major Achievements
Cubarsí’s major honors include:
Barcelona
Spain National Team
Individual
- UEFA Champions League Man of the Match (vs Napoli, 12 March 2024)
- Ranked 6th-best centre-back in world football by Sports Illustrated and ESPN (July 2025)
Personal Life
Cubarsí maintains a grounded lifestyle away from football. He shares an apartment in Barcelona with his older sister, Irene, a physiotherapist, which helps him stay humble and focused. He is also studying business administration and management, continuing his education alongside his football career. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, watching football, playing video games, and relaxing with TV series.
Cubarsí is in a relationship with Martina Riera, a young woman he has known since childhood. The couple keep their relationship private, though Riera was seen celebrating with Cubarsí after Spain’s World Cup matches. They were first publicly pictured together in May 2026 during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Pau Cubarsí is celebrating Spain’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, having started every match and been named the tournament’s Best Young Player. He has become one of the most highly rated young defenders in world football, with a €500 million release clause at Barcelona.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup Final | Spain vs Argentina, 19 July 2026 |
| 2026-27 La Liga season | Starts August 2026 |
| UEFA Champions League 2026-27 | The group stage begins September 2026 |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FIFA World Cup Best Young Player | Won |
| 2024 | Olympic Games Gold Medal | Won (with Spain) |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Born in Estanyol, Girona, Catalonia |
| 2018 | Joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 11 |
| 2024 | Made first-team debut on 18 January in Copa del Rey |
| 2024 | Made Champions League debut against Napoli; named Man of the Match |
| 2024 | Made Spain’s senior debut on 22 March |
| 2024 | Won Olympic gold medal with Spain in Paris |
| 2025 | Signed contract extension until 2029 with €500m release clause |
| 2025 | Won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona |
| 2026 | Won La Liga and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona |
| 2026 | Started every match at World Cup; named Best Young Player |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona B | 2023-2024 | 9 | 0 |
| Barcelona | 2024-Present | 100+ | 1 |
International Caps: 15 (as of June 2026)
FAQs
How old is Pau Cubarsí?
Pau Cubarsí was born on 22 January 2007 in Estanyol, Girona, Catalonia, which makes him 19 years old as of 2026.
What is Pau Cubarsí’s net worth?
Pau Cubarsí’s net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million as of April 2026.
Which club does Pau Cubarsí play for?
Pau Cubarsí plays as a center-back for La Liga club Barcelona. He wears the number 5 shirt and has a contract until 2029.
What is Pau Cubarsí’s release clause?
Cubarsí’s contract includes a €500 million ($519.8 million) release clause.
Has Pau Cubarsí won the World Cup?
Cubarsí started every match for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, helping his country reach the final. He was named the tournament’s Best Young Player.
Is Pau Cubarsí dating anyone?
Yes. Cubarsí is in a relationship with Martina Riera, a childhood friend. They have kept their relationship private but were seen together during Spain’s World Cup campaign.
What is Pau Cubarsí’s height?
Pau Cubarsí stands at 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches).
What position does Pau Cubarsí play?
Pau Cubarsí plays as a center-back. He is known for his reading of the game, composure on the ball, and ability to play line-breaking passes.
When did Pau Cubarsí make his Barcelona debut?
Cubarsí made his competitive debut on 18 January 2024 in a Copa del Rey match against Unionistas de Salamanca.
Where is Pau Cubarsí from?
Pau Cubarsí was born in Estanyol, a small village in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
Key Takeaways
- Pau Cubarsí is a Spanish center-back born on 22 January 2007 in Estanyol, Girona, Catalonia.
- He joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2018 and made his first-team debut on 18 January 2024 at age 16.
- He has won two La Liga titles (2025, 2026), the Copa del Rey (2025), and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona.
- He signed a contract extension until 2029 with a €500 million release clause.
- He won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Spain.
- At the 2026 World Cup, he started every match, helping Spain concede just one goal in six games, and was named Best Young Player.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million.
Conclusion
Pau Cubarsí’s meteoric rise from the small Catalan village of Estanyol to the pinnacle of world football is one of the most remarkable stories in modern sport. At just 19 years old, he has already established himself as a defensive pillar for both Barcelona and Spain, earning a €500 million release clause and being named the Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup. His composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and maturity beyond his years have drawn comparisons to the great defenders who came before him. Off the pitch, he remains grounded, living with his sister, continuing his education, and staying true to the values instilled by his family. As Spain competes for World Cup glory, Pau Cubarsí is not just the future of Spanish football; he is very much its present.
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