It’s been just a couple of months since Pau Cubarsi made his mark in FC Barcelona’s first team, stepping onto the pitch for the first time in a Copa del Rey match against Unionistas de Salamanca. Not long after this memorable debut, the young defender, only 16 at the time, faced a challenging La Liga opponent in an away game against Real Betis.
On that night, even as Barcelona’s defense conceded two goals, they managed to clinch a win. Amidst the high-paced action, Cubarsi’s individual performance shone brightly, making a significant impression at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
His remarkable skills on the field were so unexpected and mature for his age that they caught the attention of none other than Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s star forward. Lewandowski was left so astonished by the young defender’s poise and talent that he found himself questioning if Cubarsi was really just 16. This extraordinary display of talent was highlighted by TV3, noting Lewandowski’s surprise at the level of performance Cubarsi exhibited against the seasoned players of Real Betis.
In fact, as per the report, after the match, the veteran superstar pulled the La Masia graduate aside in the dressing room and had a conversation that went something as follows:
Lewandowski: “Pau, one question: how old are you?”
Cubarsi: “I am 16 years old.”
Lewandowski: “I told you to tell me how old you are. Don’t fool me.”
Cubarsi: “I promise you I’m 16.”
Lewandowski: “I can’t believe you made such a great game at the age you are, I’ve never seen it.”
Pau Cubarsi’s emergence as a formidable talent for FC Barcelona has been nothing short of meteoric since his notable debut against Real Betis. His rapid ascent to prominence within the team has seen him become an integral part of Xavi’s defensive lineup. The prodigious defender has not only held his own but has shone in subsequent high-stakes games against top-tier teams like Napoli and Atletico Madrid, playing a pivotal role in securing victories for Barcelona.
His performances have been characterized by a maturity that belies his youth, showcasing a tactical understanding and physicality that have been crucial in the heart of Barcelona’s defense. This has not gone unnoticed, as Cubarsi’s consistent excellence has earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Spanish national team. With the national side’s upcoming fixtures against Colombia and Brazil on the horizon, Cubarsi stands on the cusp of donning the Spanish colors, ready to translate his club form onto the international stage and further cement his status as one of the most exciting young prospects in football today.