Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi opens up on Lamine, Flick, Mbappe and World Cup dream | OneFootball

Few players have enhanced their reputation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup quite like Pau Cubarsi. 

The Barcelona defender has become one of Spain’s standout performers during the tournament, combining defensive maturity with impressive composure in possession despite being just 19 years old.

Cubarsi’s latest display for Spain explains just how influential he has been. 

Alongside Aymeric Laporte, he has recovered possession in the opposition’s half more often than any other centre-back at the tournament. 

He also ranks among the leading players for key passes and successful dribbles, underlining the all-round qualities that have made him a regular under both Hansi Flick at club level and Luis de la Fuente with Spain.

Now, while speaking to AS, the La Masia graduate reflected on his rapid rise, his relationship with Lamine Yamal, working under Hansi Flick and the challenge of facing Kylian Mbappe.

Cubarsi praises Lamine Yamal

The conversation naturally turned to fellow Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with Cubarsi revealing how different their personalities are despite sharing such a close bond.

“I’m more of a character, someone who pushes hard, whilst Lamine is calmer; he does his own thing. That’s his style of play, as he’s shown.

“It’s as if he were playing in the local park.”

Cubarsi has been extremely reliable at the World Cup. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Asked about Lamine Yamal’s mindset before Spain’s meeting with France, Cubarsi left little doubt over the winger’s mentality.

“Very good; he’s focused on what he has to do, on helping the team. 

“He knows the spotlight is on his goals and assists, but he focuses on helping the team beyond that – on defensive work and putting pressure on the full-back as only he knows how. 

“Lamine is a force to be reckoned with when he takes you on.”

Cubarsi also admitted that former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol remains his biggest inspiration, stating, “Puyol, my idol.”

Cubarsi discusses Mbappe challenge and Hansi Flick’s faith

Looking ahead to another meeting with Kylian Mbappe, Cubarsi acknowledged the France captain’s quality while making it clear that Spain will not change their approach.

“He doesn’t scare us, but everyone knows what he’s capable of. Even if he’s not fully in the game, he can turn it around in the blink of an eye. 

“He’s one of a kind, just like Lamine. We have to stay alert for the full 90 minutes,” he said.

Pau Cubarsi is not afraid of Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The defender also credited Hansi Flick for helping accelerate his development since taking charge at Barcelona.

“Ever since I arrived, he’s had faith in me, even though I couldn’t take part in his first pre-season. He told me I had good abilities but that I needed to develop them further and build on them.

“That’s helped me a lot, personally too, to always stay focused. You train as you play, and I’m very proud to have him as my manager.”

Cubarsi believes experienced defenders such as Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez have also played a vital role in his progress.

“They’re very similar and have helped me a lot. They have more experience, and I need to develop further in that area.”

World Cup dream

It must be noted that Cubarsi has become the under-20 player with the most minutes at a FIFA World Cup, surpassing Kylian Mbappe’s previous mark.

Despite those achievements, the teenager remains focused on one objective above all else – winning the world title.

“Yes, yes, you can imagine it from when you’re a child. But when you’re here and getting closer to the goal, you picture the celebrations more clearly and the desire to lift that Cup.”