Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes Pau Cubarsi already deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, despite being convinced the young defender will not receive football’s leading individual prize.
Pique was discussing the current contenders for the award when he highlighted Cubarsi, Barcelona’s teenage centre-back, as a player capable of reaching that level. However, he does not expect the 17-year-old to become the next defender to claim the honour.
The most recent defender to win the Ballon d’Or was Italy international Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.