Peter Schmeichel handed Unai Simon the Yashin Trophy as the room applauded warmly, setting the stage for the world’s best goalkeeper to spend his speech talking about everyone else. Simon thanked his family, his girlfriend, his coaches, and his childhood friends, painting a portrait of a player who is the complete opposite of an archetypal superstar.
A Low-Profile Journey to the Top
Staying away from the headlines and maintaining a low profile, Simon’s position as Spain’s number one and his status as the world’s best goalkeeper are sometimes questioned by those favoring other leagues. As reported by BBC Sport, his acceptance speech at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London highlighted his late youth academy mentor Koldo Asua, who passed away in 2021 and taught him that legacy is about being a good person and team-mate. He also honored 83-year-old former Spain and Athletic Club goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar, wearing black in tribute to him just as Iribar honored Lev Yashin.
Simon’s parents instilled values of work ethic and respect that were later reinforced at Athletic Club. Before Spain’s World Cup final triumph, where he conceded the fewest goals and earned the Golden Glove with seven clean sheets and a single goal conceded, Simon acknowledged the natural order where keepers like Arsenal’s David Raya could eventually succeed him. Yet, heading into fixtures, Simon retains his place at the head of the best national team in the world, backed by a body of work that includes the Nations League, European Championship, and the Zamora Trophy for the lowest goals-to-games ratio in Spain.
Overcoming Doubts and Staying Grounded
Born in Vitoria in 1997 and raised in Murgia, Simon joined Athletic’s academy at age 14 in 2011. After Kepa Arrizabalaga was sold to Chelsea in 2018 and a brief loan spell at Elche, injuries and contract situations brought him back to Bilbao to become the unexpected first choice. With the backing of coaches like Luis de la Fuente and Luis Enrique—who patiently developed his ability to play with his feet—Simon grew into his role despite facing persistent doubts.
Simon finished with 351 points in the Ballon d’Or voting, finishing 128 points ahead of second-placed Raya. Having deleted his social media accounts to avoid the emotional rollercoaster of online comments, he remains shy around strangers while staying close to his inner circle. In 2024, he signed a contract running to 2029 with no release clause, stating his desire to achieve greatness while remaining with Athletic Club.
Having grown up in a village without running water where he helped fill jugs from a tanker, Simon continues to visit in the same car he has driven for eight years to play football with local children. On his biggest night, he chose to share the spotlight with the people who shaped him.
