How Unai Simón Rose From Humble Beginnings to Become the World's Best Goalkeeper

Posted : 15 November 2026

Unai Simón's recognition as the world's best goalkeeper at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony has brought international attention to a footballer whose personality remains remarkably modest despite his growing collection of honours.

The Spain and Athletic Club goalkeeper received the prestigious Yashin Trophy from former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel in London on October 26. However, rather than focusing on his individual achievement, Simón used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the people who shaped his journey.

He thanked his parents, brother, girlfriend, lifelong friends, coaches and teammates. He also paid tribute to his former youth academy mentor, Koldo Asua, who died in 2021. Asua spent 13 years working with young Athletic Club players, teaching them to balance football with education and family relationships.

Simón also acknowledged José Ángel Iribar, the legendary Athletic goalkeeper who made 614 appearances for the club. The 29-year-old wears black goalkeeper kits as a tribute to Iribar, who adopted the colour in honour of Russian goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin.

Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1997, Simón grew up in the small Basque village of Murgia. He joined Athletic Club's academy in 2011 at the age of 14, gradually developing through the club's youth system.

His opportunity to become the senior team's first-choice goalkeeper came unexpectedly in 2018. Following Kepa Arrizabalaga's transfer to Chelsea, an injury to Iago Herrerín and Alejandro Remiro's departure, Simón returned from a loan spell at Elche after just 20 days.

Initially viewed as a temporary replacement, he quickly established himself as Athletic's number one. His development continued with Spain, where he won the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship under coach Luis de la Fuente.

His international achievements have since included the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024 titles. He also won the 2023/24 Zamora Trophy, becoming Athletic's first recipient since Iribar in 1970.

His greatest individual campaign came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Simón helped Spain secure the world title, conceding just one goal in eight matches while recording seven clean sheets. His 649-minute run without conceding across two World Cups also surpassed Walter Zenga's previous record of 517 minutes.

Those performances earned him the tournament's Golden Glove award.

At the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Simón collected 351 points to finish ahead of Arsenal's David Raya, who received 223 points. Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois finished third.

Despite the recognition, Simón has remained committed to Athletic Club. In May 2024, he signed a contract extension until June 2029 without a release clause, declaring his ambition to become the world's best goalkeeper while representing the Basque club.

Away from football, he maintains close relationships with childhood friends and has deliberately stepped away from social media to protect himself from the pressure of public opinion.

His connection to his hometown remains equally strong. During a recent visit, he gathered local children for a football session, arriving in the same car he had driven for eight years.

For Simón, the journey to football's highest individual goalkeeping recognition has never been solely about personal glory. His story reflects the importance of family, loyalty, hard work and the people who contribute to a player's success.

How Unai Simón Rose From Humble Beginnings to Become the World's Best Goalkeeper

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