Cubarsí’s case is built on more than international recognition. He has established himself as an important part of Barcelona’s defence, combining regular first-team involvement with a standout tournament on the biggest stage.
The award’s criteria consider sporting performance, minutes played and the strength of a player’s club. European and international success can also strengthen a candidate’s position, giving Cubarsí a strong platform after Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Real Madrid is the only club with two finalists: Endrick and Yan Diomande. Diomande’s inclusion follows a season at RB Leipzig in which he recorded 15 goals and 12 assists in 54 matches across all competitions.
The Premier League is also strongly represented:
Alongside Cubarsí, Endrick and Diomande, the finalists are Charalampos Kostoulas, Joane Gadou, Xavi Espart, Kerim Alajbegovic, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Marc Bernal, Luka Vuskovic, Victor Froholdt, Rayan, Gianluca Prestianni, Konstantinos Karetsas, Said El Mala, Finn Jeltsch, Lennart Karl, Jon Martin, Rodrigo Mora and Franco Mastantuono.
Cubarsí begins the final phase as the name to beat. The next storyline will be whether his form for Barcelona can keep pace with the expectations created by his World Cup breakthrough.