Small Town, Big Dreams: Pau Cubarsi’s Story from Woodwork Roots

Now, let’s tell the story of Pau Cubarsi. In 2007, the La Liga title race came down to the wire, with Barcelona and Real Madrid neck-and-neck on points. That same year, Carles Puyol—Barcelona’s fearless 28-year-old captain—started considering who might one day take up his mantle in defence. Meanwhile, miles away in the quiet village of Estanyol in Catalonia, a future star was born: Pau Cubarsí. Generations apart, their paths would cross one day as Cubarsí grew up to become a promising young talent in Barcelona’s ranks, embodying the future Puyol had hoped to see.

A Star’s Roots: Pau Cubarsí’s Humble Beginnings and Rise to Barcelona Promise

A Star’s Roots: Pau Cubarsí’s Humble Beginnings and Rise to Barcelona Promise

From the very beginning, Pau seemed destined to follow a different path, one paved by his family’s rich heritage in woodworking. His father, a skilled craftsman, and his great-grandfather, who worked tirelessly well into his eighties, built the first furniture business in their hometown—a legacy deeply respected by everyone in Estanyol.

Many in the village thought Pau would one day carry on the family’s tradition of shaping wood alongside his father and uncle, who now run the workshop. Instead of following in the family’s footsteps in the workshop, he began crafting a legacy of his own on the football field. With a natural talent and quiet determination, Pau quickly stood out, trading the hum of saws and the scent of wood for the cheers of the FC Barcelona crowd and the smell of fresh grass.

Preamble:

Our version of Pau Cubarsi’s Biography sheds light on his parents- his father, Robert Cubarsi, Mother, Gloria Cubarsi, sister (Irene Cubarsi), Great-grandparents, Uncles, religion, etc. We’ve made a summary of the skilled Spaniard’s journey, starting from his first training academy at FC Vilablareix to the famous La Masia and then the time he achieved stardom. Indeed, Pau has been growing fast, working hard every step of the way. At just 17, he plays like an experienced Nicolas Otamendi. This picture gallery shows how much effort Pau puts into becoming the next Carles Puyol.

Behold Pau Cubarsi's biography from his early days to the moment he achieved global fame.

Behold Pau Cubarsi’s biography from his early days to the moment he achieved global fame. Images: Reddit, Instagram@paucubarsi

 Childhood Story:

For eager biography readers, he bears the nickname Franz Beckenbauer Cubarsi. Pau Cubarsí Paredes was born on the 22nd of January 2007 to his parents- his father, Robert Cubarsi and his mother, Gloria Cubarsi, in Girona, Spain.

The centre-back is the second child with his elder sister Irene. The siblings are the only children in his mother and father’s marital bliss. Now, let’s show you the essential persons in his life, Pau Cubarsi’s parents, in the photo.

Meet Pau Cubarsi's parents- his father, Robert Cubarsi and his mother, Gloria Cubarsi as they celebrate with their two children

Meet Pau Cubarsi’s parents- his father, Robert Cubarsi and his mother, Gloria Cubarsi as they celebrate with their two children. Image: Instagram@irenecubarsi

Growing-Up Years:

Pau Cubarsi spent the bulk of his childhood in Estanyol, part of the municipality of Bescanó, Girona, Spain. In this small town, with only 195 inhabitants, there isn’t a football field. You’ll see some farmhouses spread here and there, and just five or six houses are in the centre. There’s also a restaurant and a workshop called Fustería Cubarsí, where they make things from wood.

The shop is the pride of Pau Cubarsi’s family, which their ancestors had handed down to his father and himself. Together with his elder sister, Irene and his mother, Gloria, they worked for themselves.

The Cubarsi's Family Business is a furniture making industry in their hometwon

Cubarsi’s Family Business is a furniture-making industry in their hometown. Source: Marca

From infancy, Pau Cubarsi’s father was a woodman. Thus, it was expected for the centre back to continue as a furniture maker in the family’s lineage. Football celebrities like Jarrod Bowen (RW), Ellie Carpenter (RB) and Nick Pope were once assumed to follow in their generation’s farming occupation.

However, Pau Cubarsi’s parents saw that their only son was a great fan of Messi and Neymar from infancy. They knew that the footballer would not be in the furniture-making line, and they did everything to kick off his career.

And so Cubarsí grew up in the school in Vilablareix, a nearby municipality. It was because Pau’s mother and father knew their small village had no football team. So, regularly, they visit him and encourage him never to give up.

Pau Cubarsi Family Background:

The villagers of the Estanyol remember Pau Cubarsi’s great-grandfather, who was a very hard worker till the age of eighty. The family had started the first furniture business in their hometown. He passed it down to his father, Robert, and his uncle, who keeps it afloat.

Pau Cubarsi’s father was a seasoned carpenter who made all the furniture his villagers needed. Initially, his great-grandfather also added haircuts to the handiwork. This was how they fed the family and provided the home’s needs.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi’s mother was a stay-at-home mother who cared for her house. Gloria cooked and cleaned when her husband was away at the furniture shop, attending to orders. It was her way of caring for her children and being the head of the home.

Pau Cubarsi Family Origin:

Estanyol has been the hometown of Pau Cubarsi’s family from his great-grandfather. It is a small, quiet village in Bescanó, near Girona in Catalonia, Spain. It’s a peaceful place with lots of open fields and farms. The town has many old buildings and unique family traditions.

Google Map of the hometown of the Barca centre back

Google Map of the hometown of the Barca centre back

Pau Cubarsi’s hometown, Estanyol, doesn’t have a soccer field like other towns. But the people gather for church once a month, a particular time for everyone to be together. The village has beautiful farmland and green hills, making it a nice, quiet place close to nature.

Did you know that Pau Cubarsi’s birthplace is only an hour away from Barcelona, a city which is the family home of  Héctor Bellerín and Adam Traore? Also, Estanyol is a 57-minute drive from Marc Cucurella in Alella.

Ethnicity:

Pau Cubarsí comes from Catalonia ethnicity, a part of Spain, and he’s Catalan. He mostly speaks Catalan, his home language, and isn’t very comfortable speaking Spanish. During the 2024 Olympic Games, Pau shared that he doesn’t do many interviews because he doesn’t speak Spanish well.

Pau Cubarsi Beginning of his Football Career:

From a young age, Pau Cubarsí showed his dedication to football by starting his career in Vilablareix. And it was because his village didn’t have a football team. It is 8 minutes from his house, meaning the centre back’s parents had to take turns dropping him off at the training centre.

The newbie centre-back spent three years in FC Vilablareix before Girona saw his astounding talent and picked him up. From 2014, Pau, in the 18/19 season, after four years of improving his unique defence skills, Barcelona indicated interest.

Joining La Masia marks a big step for the young Spanish star, entering a famous football academy known for excellence. La Masia has trained many great players like Andrés Iniesta (CM), Ansu Fati (LW), Jordi Alba (LB), and Adama Traoré. It’s also where Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta learned their football skills before becoming top coaches.

A summary of Pau's youth career

A summary of Pau’s youth career. Sources: Elperiodico, Marca, Instagram@paucubarsi

While Pau was joining the team, Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó were going to the under-16 squad.  The lad became the youngest player to debut in the Barcelona youth league after Lamine Yamal and Ilaix Moriba. After five years of being coached and his skills being harnessed, the Catalan wonder shot up to the under-18 teams with Marc Guiu.

Pau Cubarsi Family Life:

Catalonia’s football prodigy says his family and friends help him stay calm and down-to-earth, which he thinks is very important. They make him feel steady and peaceful, even as his career grows. Pau Cubarsi’s family are always there for him. They guide him, cheer him on, and make every success feel special by reminding him of where he comes from. So let’s get to know about them.

About Pau Cubarsi’s Father:

The Cubarsí family name is well-known in Girona, not only because of Pau but also because of their family carpentry shop. The Cubarsí Carpentry started in 1905 and is among the most respected in the area. Now, it’s run by Robert, Pau Cubaris’s father and the great-grandson of the person who started it.

Robert Cubarsi the capenter is always present for his sons career at all times

Robert Cubarsi, the carpenter, is always present for his son’s career at all times. Picture: Instagram@barcaliveapp

Like the rest of the family, Robert doesn’t seek attention or fame. The carpenter is simply proud and happy about what his son is achieving as the youngest member of their family. From infancy, his dad was never upset with him, even when he refused to join the furniture-making line. Instead, Pau Cubarsi’s father took him to the next town to practise his skills.

About Pau Cubarsi’s Mother:

Gloria has been very important in helping him with his football dreams. She always supports and cheers him on, whether he wins or loses. Pau Cubarsi’s mother goes to his games to watch him play and gives him hugs and kind words when he needs them. Her love and care make Pau feel safe and happy just as his sister feels in the photo her.

The Spanish talent Pua Cubarsi's mother with his sister

The Spanish talent Pua Cubarsi’s mother with his sister. Image: Instagram@irenecubarsi

Because of his mom’s help, Pau can keep getting better at football, feeling strong and loved along the way. From infancy, the Spanish standout has never doubted Gloria’s undivided affection. He has felt all her compassion for him and is very glad to make her proud by his performance.

About Pau Cubarsi’s Sister:

Irene is Pau Cubarsí’s big sister, and they have a very close and special bond. The Spanish lady always helps Pau with essential things and is there for him whenever he needs her.

Pau Cubarsi's Elder sister Irene with her footballer brother

Pau Cubarsi’s elder sister Irene with her footballer brother. Picture: Instagram@paucubarsi

Going through her Instagram, you can see the siblings sometimes share nice pictures of themselves. They love spending time together—celebrating birthdays, going on trips, and having fun. Their bond is full of laughs, happy memories, and the feeling that they will always be there for each other.

We can imagine them as kids playing and making the house alive with their children’s noises. Irene didn’t join her brother in her football career. However, Pau Cubarsi’s sister is making waves with his fame. Maybe she intends to be an influencer as her Instagram account is growing steadily.

Personal Life:

Cubarsí, an Aquarius, hardly shares his business on social media. He shares the zodiac with Cristiano Ronaldo (CF), Edinson Cavani and Nathan Aké. However, Pau’s sister Irene is the only one who breaks out of his football life. Her Instagram post shows that the siblings regularly hang out and enjoy fun away from their careers.

We think the Barcelona centre-back, Cubarsí, might enjoy spending some time in the workshop with his dad, helping to shape wood and build things. With his dad being a carpenter, they sometimes work together there. But besides that, Cubarsí is very focused on sharing exciting news about his football journey with his fans. He likes to keep his followers updated on the significant achievements and hard work he’s putting into his team.

Ascent to Stardom:

On the 1st of January 2024, Pau became a part of Barca’s first team making arrivals with Ä°lkay GündoÄŸan (CM), João Félix and Vitor Roque. It was also the same time Antoine Griezmann (CM), Trincão, and Clément Lenglet (CB) returned from their loan transfer.

On the 18th of January, 2024, Cubarsí played his first game with the main team in a match against Unionists de Salamanca for the Copa del Rey. He came onto the field in the 46th minute. His first time starting a game was in the next match against Real Betis in La Liga, just one day before his 17th birthday!

In a thrilling Champions League match on the 12th of March, Cubarsí shined brightly as he helped his team secure a 3–1 win against Napoli. He was named the best player of the match! Pau also set a record, becoming the youngest player in the Champions League’s knockout rounds at 17 years and 50 days. Beating the old record set by David Alaba, who was 17 years and 258 days.

With Hansi Flick as the new manager appointed on the 1st of June 2024, Pau has been used ever so effectively. The seventeen-year-old ( as at the time of writing) holds the defence line with Iñigo Martínez. While Andreas Christensen is on sick leave to return in January 2025. Not even ten stitches after being kicked in the face could stop his shine in both club and national team colours. The rest is history, they said.

National team career:

Cubarsí has played for Spain in the under-15 to under-17 teams. In March 2024, coach Luis de la Fuente chose him to join the senior Spain team. He played his first game in a friendly match against Colombia, which Spain lost 1–0. Pau came onto the field in the 83rd minute, replacing Aymeric Laporte. By playing this game, he became the youngest defender ever to play for Spain at just 17 years, 1 month, and 28 days old, breaking a record Sergio Ramos set in 2005.

On the 27th of May, 2024, Cubarsí was named in a 29-man preliminary team for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. But on the 7th of June, he wasn’t selected for the final team going to the game. Hopefully, that oversight will be corrected as they see Barcelona’s defensive gem perform wonders.

Untold Facts:

As we reveal details about Pau Cubarsi’s biography, this section goes further to tell us some exciting information about the Spanish centre back.

Pau Cubarsi FIFA Profile:

Cubarsí is about 6 feet tall, so he isn’t very big or scary-looking, but he plays as a modern defender. He’s comfortable with the ball and can pass it well to his teammates. Pau often makes smart passes around the other team’s short and long defence.

In La Liga, Pau is one of the best at making passes. He does around 42 medium passes (between 15 and 30 meters) and about seven long passes (over 30 meters) every game. He learned these skills at La Masia, where young players practice a lot to control the ball well.

Sofifa analyses the centre back skills on the pitch

Sofifa analyses the centre-back skills on the pitch

Pau is also speedy and can play strong without being too rough. Even though he’s young, he stays calm and focused, which is essential to be a great player. Sofifa says Barcelona’s defensive gem is excellent at tackling, controlling the ball, and making long passes.

Pau Cubarsi’s Religion:

In Estanyol, the footballer goes to the Sant Andreu Church, the main church in the village. This ancient church was built a long time ago, in the year 882. It’s in the centre of Estanyol, where people from the town come to pray and gather. The church is built in a traditional style and holds regular services for everyone who wants to come. It’s a special place for the community. We can say that Pau Cubarsi is a Christian.

End Note:

Pau Cubarsí Paredes was born on the 22nd of January 2007 to his parents- his father, Robert Cubarsi and his mother, Gloria Cubarsi, in Girona, Spain. The centre-back is the second child with his elder sister Irene. The siblings are the only children in his mother and father’s marital bliss.

Cubarsi was born in Estanyol, part of the municipality of Bescanó, Girona, Spain. In this small town, there isn’t a football field. You’ll see some farmhouses spread here and there, and just five or six houses are in the centre. There’s also a restaurant and a workshop called Fustería Cubarsí, where they make things from wood.

The shop is the pride of Pau Cubarsi’s family, which their ancestors had handed down to his father and himself. Together with his elder sister, Irene and his mother, Gloria, they worked for themselves.

From infancy, Pau Cubarsi’s father was a woodman. Thus, it was expected for the centre back to continue as a furniture maker in the family’s lineage. Like Jarrod Bowen, Ellie Carpenter and Nick Pope were assumed to follow in their generation’s farming occupation.

Beginning of his Football Career:

From a young age, Pau Cubarsí showed his dedication to football by starting his career in Vilablareix. And it was because his village didn’t have a football team. It is 8 minutes from his house, meaning the centre back’s parents had to take turns dropping him off at the training centre.

The newbie centre-back spent three years in FC Vilablareix before Girona saw his astounding talent and picked him up. From 2014, Pau, in the 18/19 season, after four years of improving his unique defence skills, Barcelona indicated interest.

Joining La Masia marks a big step for the young Spanish star, entering a famous football academy known for excellence. The lad became the youngest player to debut in the Barcelona youth league. After five years of being coached and his skills being harnessed, the Catalan wonder shot up to the under-18 teams with Marrc Guiu.

Ascent to Stardom:

On the 1st of January 2024, Pau became a part of the first team making arrivals. He played his first came 17 days with the main team in a match against Unionists de Salamanca for the Copa del Rey. He came onto the field in the 46th minute. His first time starting a game was in the next match against Real Betis in La Liga, just one day before his 17th birthday!

In a thrilling Champions League match on the 12th of March, Cubarsí shined brightly as he helped his team secure a 3–1 win against Napoli. He was named the best player of the match! Pau also set a record, becoming the youngest player in the Champions League’s knockout rounds at 17 years and 50 days. Beating the old record set by David Alaba, who was 17 years and 258 days.

With Hansi Flick as the new manager appointed on the 1st of June 2024, Pau has been used ever so effectively. The seventeen-year-old ( as at the time of writing) holds the defence line with Iñigo Martínez. While Andreas Christensen is on irritation tension to return in January 2025. The rest is history, they said.

National team career:

Cubarsí has played for Spain in the under-15 to under-17 teams. In March 2024, coach Luis de la Fuente chose him to join the senior Spain team. He played his first game in a friendly match against Colombia, which Spain lost 1–0. Pau came onto the field in the 83rd minute, replacing Aymeric Laporte. By playing this game, he became the youngest defender ever to play for Spain at just 17 years, 1 month, and 28 days old, breaking a record Sergio Ramos set in 2005.

Acknowledgement:

Thank you for reading about Pau Cubarsí’s life story! We strive to tell authentic and fair stories about football players with a speciality in the central defence, as we have done for names like Leny Yoro and Rys Williams. In the comment section, kindly tell us what you think about Pau Cubarsi’s story and his career.

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