Sport · Singapore Bureau
Young footballers should seek mental health support without stigma: Cubarsi
Spain defender Pau Cubarsi, who won the World Cup at 19, is urging young players to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek help without fear of judgement. The footballer emphasises that achieving success does not require coping with challenges in isolation.
LSN Singapore ·
MADRID — Spain defender Pau Cubarsi has used his platform as a World Cup winner to encourage young footballers to address their mental health concerns openly, stressing that professional success should not come at the cost of psychological wellbeing.
Despite achieving significant milestones early in his career, Cubarsi believes the sporting culture must shift to normalise conversations around mental health among athletes. He has emphasised that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness, particularly for young players navigating the pressures of professional football.
The defender's message comes amid growing awareness within global sports of the mental health challenges faced by athletes at all levels. Cubarsi's call to remove the stigma surrounding psychological support reflects broader efforts across the football industry to create safer environments for players to discuss their struggles.
By speaking out, Cubarsi hopes to inspire younger generation footballers to recognise that managing mental health is as important as physical fitness and tactical development. His remarks underscore the need for football clubs and governing bodies to provide robust mental health resources and foster cultures where seeking help is encouraged rather than discouraged.