Barcelona Defender Pau Cubarsi Discusses World Cup Heroics and Family Life
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi discussed his parents stopping him from driving a luxury car, his World Cup final heroics, and his upcoming UEFA Nations League match.
Pau Cubarsi is already a world champion, a starter for Barcelona, and one of the most promising central defenders in world football. Yet at home, his family makes sure to remind him that he is only 19 years old. In an extensive interview published in The Athletic, the young defender discussed life off the pitch, the success that allowed his parents to retire, a family decision that prevented him from driving a luxury car, and the dramatic moment he saved Spain in the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina.
One of the most amusing stories from the interview involves Barcelona's tradition of providing its players with a new car each year through sponsor Cupra. Last season, Cubarsi received a new vehicle, but his parents decided he was still too young to drive a luxury car. Instead, they instructed him to keep using the old family car, while his father took the new vehicle for himself.
"I like cars, and every now and then I look at new models," Cubarsi said. "But my parents don't like the idea of me being only 19 and driving around in a flashy car. They told me to wait a bit longer, mature, gain more experience, and then I will have time to buy a luxury car."
Despite his massive success, Cubarsi remains deeply rooted in his hometown of Estanyol, a small village in northeastern Catalonia with just 195 residents. His family owns a carpentry business passed down through generations, and in his youth, he spent time in the workshop watching and helping his father. Thanks to his current financial success, neither his father nor his mother has to work anymore.
"The family business is still running, managed by my uncle and cousin," he noted. "My father no longer works there, so he can attend my matches and enjoy life. Both of my parents have retired. The fact that I was able to help them do that fills me with immense pride. Now we can enjoy this life together, because whatever I have achieved is thanks to the sacrifices they made."
Life in Barcelona and Learning English
The young defender currently lives alone in an apartment on the outskirts of Barcelona after his older sister Irene, who lived with him until recently, moved to Girona for work. Cubarsi also revealed that he is studying English, a language he uses daily to communicate with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. He noted that while he is not yet ready to conduct a full interview in English, he understands everything and speaks with his coach every day.
The 2026 World Cup Final Heroics
Behind the personal stories lies one of the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup. Spain was crowned world champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, courtesy of a 106th-minute goal by Ferran Torres. In the 120th minute, as Argentina pressed for an equalizer, Lionel Messi found Giuliano Simeone with the outside of his boot. The Atletico Madrid player crossed to Marcos Senesi, who was poised to score, but Cubarsi rushed in at the last possible second to clear the ball for a corner.
"I remember Messi with the ball near the box and Simeone making a run behind our defensive line," he recalled. "As soon as Messi passed, I glanced around to see where I was. I saw Merino next to me and Senesi trying to enter the space between us. I knew I had to lunge toward Senesi with everything I had and let God decide what would happen.
"I kicked the ball out and fell to the turf, completely exhausted. I left my face in the grass and didn't even look back. When I realized there was no crazy noise in the stands, I lifted one eye to check our goal. The ball wasn't in the net, and I breathed a sigh of relief."
Cubarsi was also involved in another dramatic incident during the final when he absorbed a heavy challenge from Enzo Fernandez in the 93rd minute, resulting in a red card for the Argentine midfielder. Following the final whistle, Cubarsi was named the tournament's best young player, and this week he added the 2026 Golden Boy award to his trophy cabinet, having also finished second in the Kopa Trophy behind Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal.
Confronting England in the UEFA Nations League
Cubarsi voiced a desire for defensive players to receive greater recognition in individual awards, noting that attackers and goalscorers typically capture the spotlight. Looking ahead, Cubarsi faces another major challenge as Spain hosts England in the UEFA Nations League, where he expects a fierce battle against veteran striker Harry Kane.
"It is very difficult to mark him," Cubarsi said of Kane. "He is an extremely smart player, but he is also big, physically strong, and uses his body brilliantly. I would say he is my favorite English player."
