In the footballing world, where the next big name is often the topic of debate, Pau Cubarsí Paredes has quietly emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders of his generation. Born on January 22, 2007, in Bescanó, a tranquil town in Catalonia, Cubarsí has risen through the ranks to become a key figure in FC Barcelona’s long-term vision. At just 17, he is already rewriting records and setting new standards for defensive excellence.
Full Name: Pau Cubarsí Paredes
Date of Birth: 22 January 2007
Age: 17 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Bescanó, Spain
Position: Centre-back
Current Club: Barcelona
Early Life and Personal Background
Pau Cubarsí Paredes was born and raised in Bescanó, a small town in the province of Girona, Catalonia. Growing up in a football-loving region, his journey reflects the rich tradition of Catalonia nurturing world-class talent.
Despite being a football prodigy, Cubarsí balanced his academic responsibilities alongside his athletic pursuits. Fluent in Catalan, he is deeply rooted in his cultural identity and has expressed pride in representing his hometown and heritage on the global stage. Interestingly, Cubarsí has admitted to being less comfortable conducting interviews in Spanish, having predominantly grown up speaking Catalan.
Pau Cubarsí is the second child of Robert and Gloria Cubarsí, with an elder sister named Irene.
Club Career
Youth Career
Pau Cubarsí’s football journey began at Girona FC, where his talent was evident from an early age. In 2018, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia, took notice and brought him into their fold. Joining La Masia marked the start of an incredible journey, as the academy has a storied history of producing football greats like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta.
Cubarsí quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his skill and maturity beyond his years. He made his mark in the UEFA Youth League, becoming the third-youngest Barcelona player to debut in the competition during a match against Viktoria Plzeň.
Senior Career
In April 2023, his progress was rewarded when he trained with Barcelona’s first team for the first time under the guidance of manager Xavi Hernández. Just a few months later, in July, he signed his first professional contract with the club, solidifying his status as a key part of Barcelona’s future.
The 2023–24 season was a breakout year for Cubarsí. He impressed during pre-season and made his official first-team debut on 18 January 2024 in a Copa del Rey match against Unionistas de Salamanca. Days later, he earned his first start in La Liga against Real Betis, marking a significant milestone in his career just before his 17th birthday.
European nights brought more glory for the young defender. On 12 March 2024, Cubarsí made his Champions League debut in a 3–1 victory over Napoli in the round of 16. At just 17 years and 50 days old, he became the youngest player to debut in the knockout stage of the competition, breaking a record previously held by David Alaba. The milestones kept coming, as he later became the youngest defender to start in a Champions League quarterfinal on 10 April 2024, surpassing a record set by Georgi Shchennikov.
Barcelona’s belief in Cubarsí was evident when the club announced on 9 May 2024 that he had signed a contract extension, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2027.
International Career
Pau Cubarsí has steadily risen through Spain’s youth national teams, representing his country at various levels from under-15 to under-17. His standout performances earned him his first senior team call-up in March 2024 by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. He made his senior debut in a friendly against Colombia, a narrow 1–0 loss. Cubarsí replaced Aymeric Laporte in the 83rd minute, making history as the youngest defender ever to play for Spain at just 17 years, 1 month, and 28 days. This remarkable feat broke the previous record held by Sergio Ramos, set in 2005.
Despite his groundbreaking debut, Cubarsí faced a bittersweet moment later in the year. On May 27, 2024, he was named in Spain’s 29-man preliminary squad for UEFA Euro 2024. However, on June 7, he was excluded from the final tournament lineup. While he missed the chance to compete on Europe’s grandest stage, his inclusion in the initial squad signaled the immense faith in his potential and marked him as a key player for Spain’s future.
Cubarsí’s rapid rise to the international stage underscores his exceptional talent, maturity, and promise as one of Spain’s brightest defensive prospects.
Pau Cubarsi’s Style of Play
Standing at 1.84 meters, Pau is a right-footed center-back known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game effectively.
His proficiency in building play from the back aligns seamlessly with Barcelona’s football philosophy. In a match against Real Valladolid, he demonstrated his exceptional passing range by providing a precise long ball assist to Raphinha, leading to a goal. Throughout the season, he maintained a 93% pass completion rate, underscoring his reliability in possession.
Off the Pitch
Despite his rising fame, Pau remains grounded and connected to his roots. He has amassed a significant following on social media, with over 2.2 million followers on his verified Instagram account. However, he continues to prioritize his development and contributions on the field, embodying the values instilled in him from a young age.
Accolades and Records
- Third-youngest Barcelona player to debut in the UEFA Youth League.
- Youngest player to debut in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase (17 years, 50 days).
- Youngest defender to start in a Champions League quarter-final (17 years, 79 days).
Pau Cubarsí’s Net Worth and Salary
Pau Cubarsí, the 17-year-old center-back for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has experienced a remarkable rise in his football career, leading to significant increases in both his market value and salary.
Market Value
As of January 2025, Cubarsí’s market value is estimated at €70 million, reflecting his rapid ascent in the football world.
Salary
In April 2024, reports indicated that Barcelona offered Cubarsí a new five-year contract, starting at €4 million per year and increasing to €12 million by 2029.
Net Worth
While exact figures for Cubarsí’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his substantial market value and escalating salary suggest a net worth in the range of $1 million to $2 million.
Fast facts about Pau Cubarsí
- Who is Pau Cubarsí? He is a Spanish professional footballer.
- What country is Pau Cubarsí from? He is from Spain.
- Who is the idol of Pau Cubarsi? Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, and Carles Puyol are idols of Pau Cubarsí
- What nationality is Cubarsi? He is is Spanish.
