Spain has selected Barcelona’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí for the first time to join the team’s friendlies leading up to the European Championship this summer in Germany.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente unveiled his 26-man squad on Friday, marking one of the final selections before Spain kicks off their Euro 2024 campaign in mid-June.
Cubarsí emerges as the latest talent from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy to shine on the club’s first-team stage. The versatile central defender showcased his abilities by earning the man of the match accolade in his European debut on Tuesday, helping Barcelona advance past Napoli in the Champions League round of 16.
His swift ascent sees him transition directly from Spain’s Under-17 squad to the senior national team.
“Pau’s talent is evident to anyone who has watched him play,” remarked De la Fuente. “His inclusion doesn’t come as a surprise to us, given his capabilities.”
Joining Cubarsí in the squad is Barcelona’s 16-year-old forward Lamine Yamal.
The squad also welcomes Athletic Bilbao’s central defender Dani Vivian, who earns his maiden call-up to the national team. Returning to the fold are Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno, Tottenham right back Pedro Porro, and Wolverhampton’s Pablo Sarabia, all of whom have been absent from recent call-ups.
Spain is slated to take on Colombia in London on March 22 and Brazil in Madrid on March 26 in preparatory friendlies.
The match against Brazil holds significance beyond the pitch, as it forms part of an anti-racism initiative following repeated instances of verbal racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, who represents Brazil.
