Pau Cubarsi will miss the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, with the Barcelona defender choosing to remain at home and recover after a demanding run of matches.
The 19-year-old is among the nominees for the Kopa Trophy, recognising the best young talent in football, while he is also nominated for the top prize.
But, according to Mundo Deportivo, he has decided that rest is more important than attending tonight’s gala.
The decision comes after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
Rather than join the club’s delegation travelling to England, Cubarsi will stay in Barcelona to regain his energy ahead of the next La Liga fixture against Alaves on Saturday.
Cubarsi puts recovery ahead of Ballon d’Or celebrations
Cubarsi to skip the Ballon d’Or gala. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to the report, Cubarsi’s absence is motivated by the physical demands of Barcelona’s recent schedule.
The centre-back has opted to use the time to recover rather than make the trip to London, allowing him to prepare for the next stage of the season.
It is a practical decision for a young defender who has become an important part of Barcelona’s first team.
With the campaign continuing at a demanding pace, recovery time could prove more valuable than attending an awards ceremony, particularly with another league match approaching.
Cubarsi is expected to focus on regaining his strength ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Alaves, as Barça hope to bounce back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats against PSG and Real Madrid.
Barcelona will still have a strong presence in London
Lamine Yamal is already in London. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Cubarsi’s decision contrasts with Lamine Yamal’s travel arrangements. The Barcelona winger flew to London on Sunday aboard a private jet with family members and friends following El Clasico.
His father and other members of his working team travelled separately on a scheduled flight on Monday morning.
Club president Joan Laporta will lead Barcelona’s official delegation at the ceremony, accompanied by vice-presidents Rafa Yuste and Elena Fort, as well as directors Xavier Barniol and Xavi Puig.
Barcelona have several nominees across the different award categories, including Cubarsi and Yamal. New signing Rodri is in the running for the Golden Orb and is understood to be travelling, as is Joan Garcia, who has been nominated for the Best Goalkeeper prize.