Barcelona centre-back Paulo Cubasi has quickly become one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
At just a teenager, the La Masia graduate has already established himself as a first-team regular, showing maturity far beyond his years.
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In a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe, broadcast by Marca, the defender spoke about his debut under former coach Xavi Hernandez, his life off the pitch and his relationship with teammate Lamine Yamar.
Kubas will make his official debut for the senior team in January 2024, just four days before his 17th birthday.
It was a special moment for the youngster, who had grown up at La Masia and suddenly found himself playing alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
Looking back on the early breakthrough, he spoke of the unforgettable moment in the dressing room between Xavi and Robert Lewandowski.
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“The day after I started in La Liga against Betis, Xavi congratulated me and wished me a happy birthday in front of everyone.
“Robert Lewandowski came up to me and said, ‘Are you really only 17?’. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Maybe I still look like a kid,” he recalled.
life away from football
Away from the pressures of elite football, Kubas remains closely connected to his roots. The defender explained that he still enjoys returning to his home, where life is away from the spotlight of Camp Nou.
Speaking of the tranquil environment in which he grew up, he described the simple joys that helped him escape football.
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“My parents have sheep, two dogs, chickens and ducks at home.
“The sheep grazed on the lawn and we ate delicious fresh eggs from the chickens. When I went back I just completely lost touch,” he said.
Growing up with Yamal
Pau Cubarsi continues to go from strength to strength. (Photo by Aito Alcalde/Getty Images)
Another important part of his journey has been growing up with Lamine Yamar, with whom he has a long history in Barcelona’s youth teams.
Both players emerged at La Masia at similar times and now represent the future of the club.
Kubalsi admits that playing with Yamal has always felt natural, even from a young age.
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“Lamine and I had almost the same career. He progressed faster.
“It’s easy to play with him. You give him the ball and he decides the game. He’s had the talent to decide the game since he was a kid.
“One time, in training, in a one-on-one match, he passed me with the ball. I slipped and ended up on the ground. He’s been teasing me all week.
“What he didn’t mention was that he… shot at me! (Laughs). As long as it doesn’t end up being a goal, for a defender that’s fine.” He remembers.
being teased
The youngster also shared a lighter moment from his first year in the senior team.
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He suffered a facial injury against Red Star in 2024 and had to wear protective equipment in subsequent games.
The unusual look became the butt of jokes in the dressing room.
“For the game against Real Sociedad a few days later, I had to wear a protective helmet that made me look like a McDonald’s employee.
“My teammates call me a McDonald’s waiter” he pointed out.
