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Barcelona's Spanish teenage defender Pau Cubarsi is set to be the youngest player to represent their country at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The 17-year-old has been selected in Santi Denia's squad.
Cubarsi, born January 22, 2007, was named in the Olympic squad after a stellar season at Camp Nou. The La Masia academy graduate will be the youngest player in the competition, per Mundo Deportivo. He enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Blaugrana, appearing 24 times across competitions.
The Estanyol-born center-back's rise earned him a call-up to Spain's national team ahead of Euro 2024. He's earned three caps for La Roja's senior side thus far and will be one to watch at the Olympics.
Denia will know Cubarsi well, as he works with the Spanish FA to develop young talent. He's worked with their U17s and U19s and is the current U21 manager.
Cubarsi's stock is sky-high after his extraordinary start at Barcelona, where he's one of many young talents flourishing. He was unfortunate to miss out on a place in Spain's Euro 2024.
Barca trio Lamine Yamal, 17, Fermin Lopez, 21, and Pedri, 21, were part of Luis de la Fuente's squad that reigned supreme in Germany. Denia will be looking to carry that winning momentum into the Olympics in Paris.
"He's a marvel" - Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi explained why Pau Cubarsi could be key for Spain at the Olympics
Cubarsi may be the youngest player at the Olympics, but he has shown maturity beyond his years. He was particularly superb in Barcelona's 3-1 (4-1 aggregate) win against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. He made five clearances and won all three of his ground duels and all three of his aerial duels.
Xavi oversaw Cubarsi's breakout season and showed his faith in the Spanish youngster. He spoke highly of the center-back and gave an insight into why La Roja can be optimistic that he'll shine in Paris this summer (via Mundo Deportivo):
"The bottom line is that when Cubarsi has the ball, my heart rate doesn't go up. That's the best quality Cubarsi has. I feel calm when a 17-year-old has the ball. That's priceless. Napoli pressed, but he always found the best option. And when he plays long, it's with purpose, not just to kick it. They land at his feet. He's a marvel to me."
Cubarsi made his Barcelona senior debut in January at the age of 16. He's earned comparisons to AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini and Blaugrana great Gerard Pique. This bodes well for Spain as they look to win another trophy after their Euro 2024 triumph.
