Pau Cubarsi Opens Up on Barcelona Pressure and Mental Health: “You Have to Keep Fighting”
Pau Cubarsi has revealed how he dealt with the enormous pressure of becoming a Barcelona first-team player as a teenager, admitting that psychological support played an important role during the early stages of his breakthrough.
The Barcelona defender has risen remarkably quickly since emerging from La Masia and is now regarded as one of the most prominent young defenders in world football.
Cubarsi has already received major individual recognition, including a place among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or and being named the Young Player of the World Cup.
But behind the success has been the challenge of handling expectations at an age when most players are still developing away from the spotlight.
Speaking to Reuters, Cubarsi explained that working with a club psychologist helped him manage the transition into senior football and that he still occasionally attends therapy.
Cubarsi: Mental Health Is Just as Important
For Cubarsi, looking after a young player's mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical development.
The 19-year-old believes teenagers who suddenly find themselves under intense public scrutiny should feel comfortable acknowledging when they are struggling rather than feeling pressured to hide it.
“That’s the most important thing, I’d say. Working on your mindset, working on your
mental health.”
Cubarsi also stressed that asking for help should never be viewed negatively.
“When someone feels the need to raise their hand because they’re struggling, they shouldn’t be judged.”
The defender believes young footballers need an environment where they can openly admit that they are experiencing difficult moments without feeling ashamed.
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His Message to Barcelona's Young Players
Cubarsi's rapid rise, alongside that of teammate Lamine Yamal, could potentially create unrealistic expectations for other academy players.
However, the Barcelona defender wants young footballers to understand that everyone's development follows a different timeline.
He believes academy players should concentrate on improving themselves rather than becoming frustrated if first-team opportunities do not arrive immediately.
“They need to focus on working hard every day, trying to be better people, and not letting the anxiety get the better of them.”
Cubarsi knows the feeling personally.
Having made his senior debut at just 16, he understands how quickly expectations can change when a young player breaks into Barcelona's first team.
But he insists that players who do not receive an opportunity at 16 or 17 should not assume their chance has passed.
“You have to keep fighting, keep believing in yourself.”
For Cubarsi, being 20 is still incredibly young, even if it can feel much later when compared with players who make their debuts as teenagers.
His message is simple: keep developing and be prepared when the opportunity eventually arrives.
World Cup Recognition Has Not Changed His Mindset
Even being named the Young Player of the World Cup has not changed Cubarsi's approach.
Rather than treating individual recognition as a reason to relax, the defender sees it as motivation to continue improving and competing for trophies.
“It’s not something to rest on your laurels over, but rather to realise that you can also achieve great things individually and that you have to keep fighting to try and win as many titles as possible.”
That mentality has become an important part of Cubarsi's development as he continues to establish himself at the highest level.
Cubarsi Wants Better Protection for Young Players
The Barcelona defender also believes clubs have a responsibility to provide structured development programmes for young players.
For teenagers competing at elite level, he considers recovery, nutrition, gym work and physiotherapy essential parts of their development.
Cubarsi also believes young players could benefit from greater recovery time between matches.
“Perhaps having a bit more rest between matches, but I don’t think that’s an excuse either.”
Instead, he believes clubs should take a long-term approach to developing young talent.
“Every club should also have a development plan for young players, to work with them, to look after them and, above all, to help them improve.”
More Than Just a Footballer
Cubarsi's comments offer an insight into the challenges that come with becoming a Barcelona first-team player at such a young age.
His performances on the pitch have made him one of the most talked-about young defenders in football, but his own experience has taught him that development is about much more than football ability.
For the next generation coming through La Masia, his message is one of patience, resilience and self-belief.
Success may arrive early for some players, but Cubarsi believes the most important thing is to continue working, protect your wellbeing and be ready whenever the next opportunity comes.