Pau Cubarsí credits his parents for keeping him grounded after world title breakthrough | OneFootball

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí says his parents are central to his rapid rise, keeping him grounded through sudden acclaim. Fresh from Spain’s world title, the 19-year-old was named the tournament’s best young player.

“My parents have worked very hard, they are the ones who keep my feet on the ground. When you see that effort, it becomes a reference point,” he said, speaking to Sport.

Spain lifted the trophy by beating Argentina in extra time through Ferran Torres’ goal. Throughout the campaign, Cubarsí exuded composure beyond his years and marshalled a back line that allowed few chances.

Some analysts have even compared his level to Fabio Cannavaro at the 2006 World Cup, the standard that underpinned the Italian’s Ballon d’Or triumph.

Cubarsí stresses his family’s role. He remains close to his parents, Robert and Gloria, and to his sister Irene, with a low-key home routine of shared chores, cooking together and talking through differences.

He grew up around his father and uncle’s carpentry workshop, spending summers learning the value of daily graft. He jokes he often got in the way more than he helped.

As praise mounts, he insists fame should not change him. “If I do not practise humility, I get a clip round the ear,” he said with a smile, crediting his mother’s reminders.

Source: Superdeporte