Cubarsi’s Derby Dream: Barcelona’s Rising Defender Sets Sights on Espanyol Glory

Rising Star Shines at the Catalan Awards

Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s 18-year-old defender, stole the spotlight at the Catalan Football Association awards by being named Best Young Player for a season that impressed under coach Hans Flick.

At just 18, he has become a regular starter for Barcelona—a rarity for a defender so young, signaling a maturity far beyond his years.

Mindset, Family, and Derby Hopes

In remarks after receiving the prize, Cubarsi said he faces challenges with a strong mindset and steady nerves, adding: "Mentally I handle things well. I’ve always been a focused young man, and my family has helped me a lot. The drive to improve keeps me going; even though playing every three days is hard, giving your all pays off."

The upcoming test is the derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, a clash seen as fiery given Juan Garcia’s summer move and Espanyol’s strong form this season.

Cubarsi notes that both teams enter the derby on a high and that Barcelona has finally found its rhythm: "We reach the derby at a good level, and they are having a great season as well. We didn’t start strongly, but we have found our rhythm now. We hope to deliver a big game and win."

Support, Partners, and Dreams

Despite the departure of Inigo Martinez to Saudi Arabia last summer, Cubarsi praises his central partner Gerard Martin, who has become a staple of the defense: "Gerard is having an exceptional season; he works very hard and has benefited from the chances he has been given. Now we share the back line and he is delivering excellent performances."

Cubarsi wasn’t alone on stage; his family joined him, with his father expressing immense pride and hope for his son’s future: "I wish the best for my son in 2026. He should stay many years at Barcelona and be enjoyed by everyone. We are very proud of him."

Punchline 1: If his development keeps sprinting like this, Espanyol might need to hire a sprint coach just to keep up.

Punchline 2: With Cubarsi in defense, Barcelona’s future may require a new word for ‘goalkeeper’s nightmare’—only the good kind, of course.