Pau Cubarsi Paredes was born on January 22, 2007 in Estanyol, Girona, Catalonia, Spain. He began his career with Girona before switching to FC Barcelona in 2018. 

His great performances at the academy level helped him become the third-youngest Barcelona player to feature in the UEFA Youth League, behind Lamine Yamal and Ilaix Moriba, against Czech side Viktoria Plzen.

The sensational center-back's tough-tackling skill with a warrior-like spirit on the court yielded the much-needed result in April 2023, when he was called by manager Xavi Hernandez to train with the first team.

He signed his first professional contract with the club three months later, on July 8, and played an important part in Barcelona's pre-season squad ahead of the 2023–24 season.

On January 19, 2024, Cubarsi made his first team debut in a trip to Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey and was subbed on in the 46th minute in a match that ended 1:3 in favor of the blaugrane.

His first start was in the 2-4 away win against Real Betis in La Liga, pairing alongside Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde in a four-man defensive set-up.

Ever since, his performances have continued to amaze both Culers and his opposite fans. His contribution against Getafe on La Liga week 26 earned him widespread praise, owing to his efforts to refocus a key member of his side’s attacking ranks.

Still just 17, Cubarsi looked almost scarily at ease in Xavi’s backline, dominating in and out of possession alike. Combining pace with panache to loop the balls to Raphina, who delivers pin-point crosses that helped the team win to a 4-0 clean sheet.

Here’s what Xavi said about the youngster afterwards:

“Cubarsí is the best ball-playing defender we have. It’s spectacular to watch him, and he’s only 17,” he continued.

“Cubars surprises you every day. In your head, you think of the correct pass he should make, but then he goes on to make an even better pass. I’m sure that he’s good enough to make history at the club.”

Cancelo was quick to give him a befitting nickname in a social media reply: “Franz Beckenbauer Cubarsi.”

We await seeing more great performances from the wonderkid!