Pau Cubarsí: Barca’s Rising Defender Says No to Real Madrid and Aims for Van Dijk, Glory, and a Loyal Future

Loyalty First: Pau Cubarsí on Real Madrid and Identity

Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona’s young defender, reaffirmed in a wide-ranging interview with Mundo Deportivo that he would never wear Real Madrid’s jersey, citing the historic rivalry between the two clubs. He emphasized that his goal is to forge his own path, rather than imitate anyone, including Virgil van Dijk, who he admires from afar.

During a rapid-fire segment, Cubarsí was pressed on his inspirations, his preferred teammate to emulate, and even a personal dream that stretches beyond this season. When asked if he would rather sign with the Dutch defender or simply become Van Dijk, he replied that he wants to be himself and build his own legacy at Barça.

Asked about a hidden talent, he revealed tennis as the sport most people don’t know he enjoys, naming Rafael Nadal as the iconic figure he’d drink with if given the chance. On the question of teams he’d never play for, Real Madrid was his blunt answer, reflecting the ongoing enmity between the Catalans and the Galácticos of Madrid.

In a surprising twist, Cubarsí admitted he would not want to share a house with teammate Lamine Yamal, a candid tidbit that fans are likely to read with a smile. He also spoke about his ambitions: to win the Champions League with Barça and to crown a World Cup with Spain, highlighting the big dreams fueling a young player who has already begun to make his mark.

Past Transfers, Present Promises: The Barça-Madrid Narrative and a Bright Future

The article then reflects on players who crossed the rival line in the past—figures whose moves between Barça and Madrid left a lasting imprint on the sport. Names such as Luís Figo, who moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 amid one of football’s most debated transfers, Eto’o, who found success after tripping the line, Michael Laudrup, and others like Javier Saviola and Luis Enrique, illustrate how transfer stories can redefine careers and captivate fans on both sides.

These examples underline the complexity of the rivalry: crossing the line is seen by some as betrayal, yet the sport’s magic persists because talent can transcend club borders. Cubarsí’s own journey mirrors this broader history, suggesting that the best players can grow within a culture even as they face formidable competition from traditional foes.

Pau Cubarsí’s Path Forward

Born in Catalonia in 2007, Cubarsí joined Barça’s famed La Masia academy at a young age, developing into a mature defender capable of initiating plays from the back, reading attackers, and delivering accurate long passes—a blend that aligns with Barça’s philosophy of building from the back. He broke into the first team in the 2023-2024 season amid a defensive injury crisis, and despite his youth, he has shown composure beyond his years, earning a steady place in the squad that year.

Under the guidance of an international coach in the 2024-2025 period, he has continued to grow as a pillar of Barça’s defensive project. His calmness under pressure, coupled with technical prowess, positions him as a potential cornerstone for the club’s defense for years to come. Early accomplishments with Barça—league title in 2023-2024 and a Spanish Super Cup victory—signal that his trajectory could be closely tied to future continental runs, including a sustained push in Europe as Barça rebuilds its core around homegrown talent like Cubarsí.

The broader takeaway is clear: Pau Cubarsí embodies the renewal wave at Camp Nou, a symbol of Barça’s return to a philosophy centered on La Masia and a new generation ready to chase big trophies on the European stage. His early contributions hint at a long, trophy-filled chapter ahead for both club and country, underscoring the enduring appeal of Barcelona’s youth-driven resurgence.