PSG teenager moves ahead of Barcelona starlet in Golden Boy race | OneFootball

Heading into the Champions League final, Pau Cubarsi looked all but certain to continue Barcelona’s dominance in the Golden Boy awards.

After all, the 18-year-old centre-back has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, emerging as a key figure in defence and following the footsteps of Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, who have been Barcelona’s previous winners of the coveted honour.

But everything changed after a Champions League final that stunned Europe, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Desiré Doue stole the spotlight with a performance for the ages. The French winger was electric in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan, scoring twice and assisting the opening goal.

His influence on the biggest stage in European club football not only sealed PSG’s first-ever Champions League title but also reshaped the Golden Boy conversation.

A night that changed everything

Before the final, Cubarsi was widely tipped to be the favourite. His consistency, composure, and leadership at such a young age had turned heads all season long.

Pau Cubarsi was tipped to win the award until last night. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

But as is often the case, one spectacular night on the grandest of stages can shift narratives, and that is exactly what Doue delivered.

Across the season, Doue’s numbers are undeniable, having played 54 matches, scoring 15 goals, and 16 assists in all competitions. But it is his Champions League campaign that truly elevated him.

Five goals and four assists in Europe’s top competition is a standout record, and when you add in the decisive nature of his final performance, it is hard to argue against his candidacy.

With the Golden Boy award considering impact, consistency, and performance under pressure, Doue’s name has now leapfrogged Cubarsi. What seemed like another Barcelona triumph in the making may now face serious resistance from Paris.

However, the story is not over yet. Doue and Cubarsi are set to go head-to-head this Thursday as France and Spain clash in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.

It is the perfect stage for both youngsters to make their final statements in the Golden Boy race.