Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi has quickly become one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
Still in his teens, the La Masia graduate has already established himself as a regular in the first team, showing maturity well beyond his age.
In a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe, as relayed by MARCA, the defender opened up about his debut under former manager Xavi Hernandez, his life away from the pitch, and his bond with teammate Lamine Yamal.
Cubarsi made his official debut for the senior side in January 2024, just four days before turning 17.
It was a special moment for the youngster, who had grown through the ranks at La Masia and suddenly found himself playing with some of the biggest names in world football.
Reflecting on that early breakthrough, he spoke about a memorable moment in the dressing room involving Xavi and Robert Lewandowski.
“The day after my debut as a starter in LaLiga against Betis, Xavi congratulated me and wished me a happy birthday in front of everyone.
“Robert Lewandowski came up to me and said, ‘Are you really 17?’. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Maybe I still looked like a kid,” he recalled.
Life away from football
Away from the pressure of elite football, Cubarsi remains closely connected to his roots. The defender explained that he still enjoys returning to his family home, where life is far removed from the spotlight of Camp Nou.
Speaking about the peaceful environment he grew up in, he described the simple joys that help him disconnect from football.
“At my parents’ house, there are sheep, two dogs, chickens, ducks.
“The sheep graze on the lawn, and we eat the delicious fresh eggs laid by our chickens. When I go back, I completely disconnect,” he said.
Growing up with Yamal
Pau Cubarsi has grown from strength to strength. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Another important part of his journey has been growing alongside Lamine Yamal, with whom he shares a long history in Barcelona’s youth teams.
Both players rose through La Masia at a similar time and now represent the club’s future.
Cubarsi admitted that playing with Yamal has always felt natural, even from a young age.
“Lamine and I have practically the same professional career. He progressed even faster.
“It’s very easy to play with him. You give him the ball and he decides the game. Since he was a child, he has had that gift for deciding the game.
“Once, in training, during a one-on-one, he dribbled past me.I slipped and ended up on the ground. He teased me about it all week afterwards.
“But what he doesn’t mention is that he shot… at me! (smiles). As long as it doesn’t end up in a goal, for a defender, it’s fine,” he remembered.
Being teased
The youngster also shared a lighter moment from his first year in the senior side.
During a match against Red Star in 2024, he suffered a facial cut and had to wear protective gear in the following game.
The unusual look became a source of jokes inside the dressing room.
“In order 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 noted.