Pau Cubarsí: Rising Star of FC Barcelona Reflects on His Journey

omidbasir- Pau Cubarsí ascended to the elite level of football at an impressively young age. Just four days shy of his 17th birthday, he made his official debut with FC Barcelona’s first team in January 2024 during a Copa del Rey match against Unionistas de Salamanca. Shortly thereafter, he also made his debut in LaLiga, a moment he fondly recalls in an interview with L’Equipe. “The day after my first LaLiga start against Betis, Xavi congratulated me and wished me a happy birthday in front of everyone. Robert Lewandowski approached me and asked, ‘Are you really 17?’ I could hardly believe it. I guess I still had a boyish face at the time…” he reflects.

Cubarsí also reminisces about his roots, a place he cherishes returning to whenever he can for a respite. “At my parents’ house, we have sheep, two dogs, chickens, and ducks… The sheep graze on the lawn, and we enjoy the delicious fresh eggs laid by our hens. When I go back, I completely disconnect from everything,” he shares with the French publication.

He has a close bond with Lamine Yamal, as both have spent many years in the youth ranks and are now teammates in the first team at Barcelona. “Lamine and I have nearly identical career trajectories. He has progressed even faster. Playing with him is effortless; you pass him the ball, and he can change the game. Since childhood, he’s had this innate ability to decide matches. Once, during a training session, he dribbled past me, causing me to slip and fall. He teased me all week about it. However, what he doesn’t mention is that he shot… right at me! (smiles). As long as it doesn’t end in a goal, I guess it’s fine for a defender,” he jokes in L’Equipe.

In a 2024 match against Red Star, Cubarsí experienced a facial injury. “To play against Real Sociedad a few days later, I had to wear a protective helmet that made me look like a McDonald’s employee. My teammates called me the McDonald’s waiter,” he concludes.