The German Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, decided not to travel to attend the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony after the loss to Real Madrid in the Clasico, in a surprising decision that coincided with the absence of young defender Pau Cubarsi, who preferred to stay at home to rest after his intensive participation with the club and the Spanish national team.
According to the program "Què T'hi Jugues" on the Spanish radio station "Cadena SER," the defeat in the Clasico disrupted Barcelona's plans regarding the awards ceremony, after Flick made his decision not to travel, while Cubarsi chose to avoid the atmosphere of the ceremony and focus on physical rest, despite being considered one of the leading candidates for the Kopa Award for Best Young Player.
Meanwhile, several representatives from Barcelona are preparing to travel to the ceremony, led by Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Joan García, alongside club officials and executive leaders.
Yamal will travel separately on a private plane, accompanied by family members and friends.
Cubarsi's absence comes at a time when expectations lean towards Yamal winning the Kopa Award for the second consecutive time, after previously winning it in the last two editions, making him a candidate to achieve a new milestone in his career despite his young age.
The Barcelona star has the opportunity to achieve an exceptional feat, by winning both the Kopa and the Ballon d'Or in the same year. However, the competition for the major award remains open, as the identity of the winner is awaited.