Barcelona defender becomes second-youngest player in club history to reach major milestone | OneFootball

Pau Cubarsi’s ascent to prominence and integration as a regular in Barcelona’s plans has gone somewhat under the radar because of Lamine Yamal’s concurrent meteoric rise to superstardom.

Despite being barely months older than his teammate, Cubarsi has not quite seen the same level of fame as Yamal has, and a lot has to do with the position he plays in.

Yet, it is quite widely accepted and understood that the teenager is now the pillar of Barcelona’s defence and his numbers only prove the same.

A special milestone

Cubarsi started on the bench in Barcelona’s game against CD Guadalajara earlier this week but came off the bench early in the second half to reclaim his position in central defence.

In the process, the prodigal teenager made his 100th appearance for the club, joining an elite group of players to have done so and also becoming the second-youngest player to hit that milestone in the club’s history.

A key pillar despite being only 18 years old. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal is the youngest Barcelona player to ever hit 100 appearances, and he did so at the age of 17 years and 293 days.

Cubarsi was 18 years and 329 days when he made his 100th appearance on Tuesday night and became the second-youngest to reach the milestone.

Also on the list are Gavi, who reached the landmark at 19 years and 30 days, Bojan Krkic, who did so at 19 years and 84 days, and Pedri at 20 years and 66 days.

Cubarsi’s debut for Barcelona arrived in January 2024, roughly two years ago, and his progression to the top has been rapid, yet steady.

The Spaniard is now a foundational pillar in the starting lineup and seemingly irreplaceable in Hansi Flick’s plans.