Earning €4M a Year, Barça's 18-Year-Old Prodigy Lives in the Academy Dorm: A High Schooler Working Toward a Driver's License

At just 18 years old, Kubasi has already cemented his place as a first-team regular at FC Barcelona. This season, the young center-back has made 31 appearances across all competitions, earning widespread acclaim for his performances. However, despite his meteoric rise, a reported market value of €70 million, and a burgeoning annual salary of €4 million, Kubasi continues to reside in the dormitories of La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy.

A Rising Star in Barcelona’s Defense

Kubasi’s ascent to prominence is a testament to the faith placed in him by both Xavi and his successor, Hansi Flick. Officially promoted to the senior squad on January 1, 2024, Kubasi wasted no time making his mark. Since then, he has appeared 55 times for the first team, showcasing remarkable composure, technical ability, and physical resilience.

Standing at 1.84 meters tall, Kubasi’s blend of tactical awareness and defensive solidity has drawn comparisons to some of the world’s best center-backs. His crowning achievement so far came on the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Olympic gold medal-winning campaign.

Staying Grounded at La Masia

Despite his rapid rise and financial independence, Kubasi has chosen to remain in La Masia’s dormitories, sharing living spaces with aspiring young players. This decision reflects his grounded personality and focus on maintaining a structured lifestyle. According to Mundo Deportivo, Kubasi intends to revisit the idea of moving out only after the season concludes.

This choice has made Kubasi a role model within the academy. The dormitories, housed within the Oriol Tort Training Center at the heart of Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, are a hub of inspiration for the next generation of Barça talent. Figures like Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and now Kubasi exemplify the values of humility and dedication that La Masia seeks to instill.

Balancing Football, Education, and Life

Kubasi’s life is a delicate balancing act between his football career and academic pursuits. A high school junior (equivalent to Grade 11), he follows a rigorous daily schedule. Mornings are dedicated to training sessions with the first team, while afternoons and evenings are reserved for his studies. Classes run from 3 PM to 8 PM, and Kubasi often has to make up for missed lessons due to midweek UEFA Champions League fixtures.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Kubasi is also preparing for an essential rite of passage: obtaining his driver’s license. Having recently passed the theoretical exam, he is now working toward completing his practical driving test. Living at La Masia has allowed Kubasi to walk to training sessions, but moving out will necessitate driving—a milestone he is eager to achieve.

Staying Humble Amid Stardom

Interviews with La Masia students paint a picture of a young man unchanged by his newfound fame. Despite becoming a household name in football, Kubasi continues to approach life with the same humility and discipline that characterized his early years in the academy.

This unassuming nature has earned him admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His decision to prioritize his development, both on and off the pitch, underscores a maturity beyond his years.

A Bright Future

Kubasi’s story is one of talent, hard work, and a commitment to growth. As he navigates the challenges of being a young star in one of the world’s biggest clubs, his choices reflect a player focused on long-term success rather than short-term indulgence.

From sharing dorms with future stars to balancing high-level football with high school studies, Kubasi exemplifies the ethos of La Masia: nurturing not just exceptional players, but well-rounded individuals. His trajectory suggests that the sky is the limit, and Barça fans can look forward to many more years of brilliance from their young defensive stalwart.

Kubasi’s journey is a reminder that even in a sport driven by glitz and glamour, humility and hard work remain the cornerstones of greatness. As he continues to grow both as a player and as a person, Kubasi’s story will undoubtedly inspire the next wave of La Masia graduates.

What sets Kubasi apart is not just his prodigious talent but his unwavering dedication to the principles that have defined Barcelona’s greatest players. He may already be earning millions and representing one of the most storied clubs in football history, but Kubasi’s heart remains firmly rooted in the traditions of La Masia. This combination of skill, character, and humility promises to make him a cornerstone of Barça’s future for years to come.