Why Did Lamine Yamal Mention Pau Cubarsí at the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?
After receiving his third consecutive Kopa Trophy as the World’s Best Young Player, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal dedicated part of his speech to Pau Cubarsí, his teammate at both FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.
Lamine Yamal made history once again at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, but his third consecutive Kopa Trophy came with a special tribute. The FC Barcelona forward publicly acknowledged that his teammate Pau Cubarsí deserved to win the award for the best player under 21. His words also sparked debate about the young forward’s ambition and his desire to win every individual award in football.
YAMAL'S SPEECH
After receiving the honor from France Football, Yamal made a point of mentioning his teammate and highlighting why he deserved to win the award.
“I would have liked Cubarsí, my teammate, to be here. He deserves it. I would have liked him to win it,” Yamal said during the ceremony.
The forward also made his ambition clear by expressing his desire to keep winning individual honors. His stance can be interpreted as a sign of confidence in his abilities, although it also raises the question of whether his desire to win everything could be mistaken for arrogance.
However, publicly acknowledging that Cubarsí deserved the Kopa Trophy showed that Yamal also wanted to recognize the achievements of another player from his generation. Wanting to win the Ballon d’Or is not inherently negative. The real challenge is to back up those ambitions with performances, trophies, and an attitude worthy of his talent.
At just 19 years old, the forward secured his third consecutive Kopa Trophy, following his victories in 2024 and 2025. Despite celebrating another personal achievement, he chose to share the spotlight with his friend.
A FRIENDSHIP BUILT AT LA MASIA AND WITH SPAIN
The relationship between Yamal and Cubarsí goes beyond sharing a dressing room. Both are part of a generation of players developed at La Masia who established themselves in Barcelona’s first team and became key figures for the Spain national team.
Their time together at Barcelona and within Spain’s national youth teams has strengthened a friendship that is also evident on the pitch. While Yamal stands out for his dribbling, creativity, and attacking ability, Cubarsí has earned recognition for his defensive maturity and composure on the ball.
That is why the winger’s public acknowledgment was more than an isolated gesture. It was also a way of recognizing the development of a teammate with whom he shares experiences, ambitions, and the responsibility of competing at the highest level.
WAS CUBARSÍ BETTER THAN YAMAL IN THE 2025-26 SEASON?
The comparison depends on the criteria used. Yamal has a strong case based on his attacking output, goals, assists, and ability to decide matches. Cubarsí, on the other hand, contributes in a position where performance is measured by anticipation, positioning, ball distribution, and defensive solidity.
There is no definitive answer as to who performed better, as their roles are different. The winger can make the difference in the final third, while the center-back helps maintain the team’s balance. Yamal’s comments do not necessarily mean that Cubarsí had a better season, but rather that he believes his teammate also had a strong enough case to win the award.
WHY DID CUBARSÍ DESERVE THE KOPA TROPHY OVER THE OTHER NOMINEES?
Pau Cubarsí had a strong case based on his performances: consistency, maturity despite his young age, a prominent role at Barcelona, and experience in high-pressure matches. His ability to defend high up the pitch and contribute to the buildup from the back made him an important player for his team.
However, the other nominees also had compelling reasons to contend for the award, so it would be unfair to claim that Cubarsí deserved to win over everyone else without considering their respective seasons. The award recognizes the most outstanding young footballer, and that assessment depends on both individual performances and the criteria used by voters.
The ceremony produced a memorable moment: Yamal celebrated his third consecutive Kopa Trophy but used the occasion to make a case for Cubarsí. His ambition to win every individual award may spark debate, but his public recognition of his teammate also reflects admiration and respect. Now, the forward’s challenge will be to prove that his confidence can translate into success while continuing to appreciate the talent of those sharing his journey.
THE THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM LAMINE YAMAL'S MESSAGE AT THE 2026 BALLON D’OR
- 🏆 THIRD CONSECUTIVE KOPA TROPHY: Yamal won the award for the third year in a row but said Pau Cubarsí also deserved the honor.
- 🤝 FRIENDSHIP AND RECOGNITION: The forward praised his Barcelona teammate’s talent and defensive performances.
- 🔥 AMBITION OR ARROGANCE? His desire to win every individual award sparked debate about his personality, although his praise for Cubarsí also showed respect for others.
