Barcelona has Pau Cubarsí as one of the most expensive defenders in the world
At just 18 years old, Pau Cubarsí has soared to the top of global football valuations, becoming the most valuable defender in the world, according to Transfermarkt. The young Spaniard leads a ranking that includes elite names like William Saliba (Arsenal) and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), with a market value of €80 million (R$513 million).
The recognition cements Cubarsí’s meteoric rise within FC Barcelona, where he now holds a higher market valuation than even the experienced Ronald Araújo, long considered the club’s defensive cornerstone.
Head-to-Head: Cubarsí vs. Araújo
A comparison between the two defenders reveals the generational shift underway at the Catalan club:
Ronald Araújo
- Age: 26
- Position: Center-back / Right-back
- Foot: Right
- Career Appearances: 267
- Goals: 23
- Assists: 12
- Current Market Value: €35 million (R$224 million)
- Contract Valid Through: June 30, 2031
Pau Cubarsí
- Age: 18
- Position: Center-back
- Foot: Right
- Career Appearances: 92
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 5
- Current Market Value: €80 million (R$513 million)
- Contract Valid Through: June 30, 2029
Cubarsí’s sharp valuation increase comes on the back of standout performances with Barcelona’s first team and Spain’s youth squads, where he has impressed scouts and fans alike with his tactical maturity and ball-playing ability.
Market Trends and Transfer Interest
While Cubarsí’s value continues to climb, Araújo’s valuation has declined over the past year dropping from €70 million in early 2023 to €35 million today. Despite this, the Uruguayan defender remains a highly regarded figure and has attracted interest from the Premier League, most notably Tottenham Hotspur.
Barcelona, meanwhile, sees Cubarsí as a cornerstone for the future, with his €80 million value placing him in elite company globally and suggesting the club could build a new defensive era around his talent.
