Pau Cubarsí Eyes Success with Barcelona and Spanish National Team.
Pau Cubarsí’s life has transformed in just two months. Since his debut with FC Barcelona’s first team in the Copa del Rey in January, he has become one of the indisputable starting central defenders for the blaugrana side, solely by his own merits. His meteoric rise seems limitless, and now it’s his turn to prove himself in the Champions League quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain.
Born in the tiny town of Estanyol in the province of Girona, he maintains his kindness, innocence, and serenity amidst the media frenzy. Although not accustomed to photo shoots, he gladly participates in them, saying, “I don’t know how to do this,” with a laugh and slight blush. With his feet on the ground and always wearing a smile, he spoke to SPORT this morning. “I’m calm, trying to stay myself, sticking to my routine, as I always did; I’m very happy,” he commented at La Masia, which remains his home – literally until next season. Comparisons to his idols Puyol and Piqué don’t faze him on the field. He has transitioned from facing Oporto in the UEFA Youth League to making his Champions League debut and earning the MVP in his first match against Napoli.
Facing Kylian Mbappé in a month may seem sudden for someone who was blowing out 17 candles not long ago. He can’t even drive yet or vote in the upcoming Catalan Parliamentary Elections on May 12. Cubarsí also commented on the Champions League draw, expressing ambition for Barcelona’s journey to the final in Wembley. “There are only top world teams left; they’re all challenging and capable of winning. We’ll be ourselves, compete in the Champions League until the end, and fight for it,” he acknowledged. The rest of the year looks promising for Cubarsí, with ten domestic league matches ahead, a Champions League quarterfinal, a debut with the Spanish national team, and perhaps even a call-up for the Euro 2024. Under Xavi Hernández’s guidance, his statistics are commendable: 918 minutes across 12 matches (nine in the league, two in the Copa del Rey, and one in the Champions League).
He has started in nine of them, cementing his place as a regular central defender for the blaugrana side. While he hasn’t scored yet, he provided an assist to Jules Kounde in his debut with the first team, precisely in the second goal against Unionistas de Salamanca. It’s been a whirlwind journey for Pau, but he hasn’t let it diminish him. He’s earned it through hard work, and his stellar performance for Barcelona has earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team by Luis de la Fuente.
It’s the first round of matches for the national teams, and for the ‘roja,’ they will face Colombia and Brazil in two friendly matches. The blaugrana defender is one of the four central defenders called up, immediately after facing Atlético Madrid in the 29th round of the league, alongside Laporte, Le Normand, and Vivian. “I’m very proud of the coach’s trust; I’ll make the most of the opportunity and give my all,” he said into the SPORT microphone.
