Cubarsi talks Xavi, La Masia, Barcelona debut, Spanish NT, Ballon d’Or pick | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has expressed his deep gratitude towards former manager Xavi for giving him the chance to play with the senior team.

Despite being only 17 years old, Cubarsi has successfully earned a spot in the starting XI for Barcelona and he credits Xavi for believing in him during his time as head coach and acknowledges the significant impact this opportunity has had on his young career.

In a recent discussion, Cubarsi highlighted the importance of Xavi’s support both on and off the pitch.

“I am very grateful to Xavi, for everything he has done for me, he is a 10 as a person who helps you on and off the pitch,” said the defender as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

He recalled the emotional atmosphere in the dressing room during a challenging period when Xavi faced criticism. Despite the difficulties, Cubarsi and his teammates stood firmly behind their coach, who had given them their chance to shine.

“After the Villarreal match it was a tough time, they were criticising him but we were with him all the time in the dressing room. It is tough because you see the coach who gave you the opportunity being criticised,” he noted.

Cubarsi’s debut

Pau Cubarsi made his debut at 16. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Cubarsi made his league debut at just 16 years old, a milestone he cherishes. He recalls the thrill of finding out he would start the match, quickly sharing the news with his parents.

“In Salamanca, in the Cup, Xavi told me to warm up. A lot of thoughts come to mind, it was a dream; then on the field, you are focused on the game,”

The jersey he wore during that match holds a special place in his heart and is a treasured memento of that unforgettable day.

“I made my debut in the League at 16 years old. In the talk I saw myself as a starter, that’s how I found out. I told my parents quickly. I have that shirt saved, it’s special.”

Signing for La Masia

Made in La Masia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Reflecting on his journey to La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, Cubarsi shared how scouts spotted him during a youth tournament.

His parents approached him about the opportunity to join the club, and at just 11 years old, he jumped at the chance.

Commuting to training by taxi became a part of his routine, but it was a sacrifice he was more than willing to make to pursue his dream.

“Barça saw me in a youth tournament; then at a game, in the parking lot, my parents asked me if I wanted to go to Barça.

“I said yes of course, it was a dream, I was 11 years old and I had to go to and from training by taxi,” he remembered

Cubarsi still lives at La Masia, where he balances his football commitments with his studies. Currently, he is in his second year of high school and aspires to study Marketing or Business Administration in the future.

“I still live there, I’m still with my teammates, with football and with my studies.

“I’m studying the second year of high school; I want to combine studies and football. I would like to study something related to Marketing or Business Administration.”

First national team call

Cubarsi wants Rdori to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

On the topic of national representation, Cubarsi revealed that he learned about his first call-up to the national team through congratulatory messages on his phone after a training session. Although he didn’t expect the call, he was aware that it could happen.

“I found out about my first call-up to the national team through the congratulations on my mobile phone after a training session; I didn’t expect it but I knew it could happen.”

He also spoke with pride about winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris, describing the experience as something truly special, achieved as a close-knit family.

“Winning the Olympic gold as we did, as a big family, was something spectacular.”

Lastly, when discussing the prestigious Ballon d’Or, Cubarsi mentioned the impressive contenders this year, including Rodri, Dani Carvajal, and Vinicius Jr.

He expressed his hope that Rodri would emerge victorious in this coveted award, recognising the talent and hard work that goes into such achievements.

“The Ballon d’Or is between Rodri, Carvajal and Vinicius; I would like Rodri to win it,” he concluded.