FC Barcelona continues to showcase its ability to develop exceptional talents, and this time, the spotlight is on Pau Cubarsí, a promising 18-year-old defender who has shone in the 2024/25 season. According to the list of nominees for the Golden Boy 2025 published by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Cubarsí finds himself in a privileged position to become the successor to his teammate Lamine Yamal, who won the award last year.
The current ranking places Lamine Yamal in first position with an impressive rating of 97.7, thanks to his outstanding performances on the field, where he accumulated 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches. However, due to the rules of the award, Yamal cannot repeat as a winner, opening the door for Cubarsí, who occupies second place with a rating of 95.4.
Pau Cubarsí's journey at Barcelona has been remarkable. This young defender has been a key player in Hansi Flick's scheme, participating in 56 matches and contributing with one goal and four assists. His defensive solidity and ability to read the game have made him one of the best young players in the world in his position.
The Golden Boy, which recognizes the best European footballer under 21 years old, has been an award that has fallen into the hands of Barcelona players in three of the last four editions, with Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal as recent winners. History seems to be repeating itself, and Cubarsí could be the next to join this illustrious list.
The Tuttosport ranking also includes other young talents such as Désiré Doué from PSG and Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, but the focus is on FC Barcelona, which continues to demonstrate its ability to nurture European football with quality players.
The award will be presented in December, but this first ranking already offers a thrilling perspective on who the favorites are to take home the trophy. With an eye on the future, Barcelona fans can be proud to have a generation of footballers who promise to continue achieving success.