Madrid – Unai Simón remains the unquestioned first-choice goalkeeper for the Spanish national team under coach Luis de la Fuente. The Athletic Club shot-stopper has solidified his position, silencing any debate about the starting role despite the emergence of talented competitors like Joan García, David Raya, and Alex Remiro. De la Fuente’s unwavering faith in Simón was underscored following Spain’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Serbia on March 27, 2026, a result that extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 32 matches.
“Unai doesn’t require to re-establish himself,” De la Fuente stated emphatically after the match at Estadio de La Cerámica, as reported by AS.com. “It would be unfair not to value what he does, what he is, his trajectory. Let’s be fair, let’s not depend on trends or debates.” This public backing comes after a period of speculation surrounding the inclusion of Joan García in the squad, but De la Fuente’s decision to start Simón for the entirety of the Serbia friendly signaled a clear message: the Basque goalkeeper is the foundation of Spain’s defense.
The selection of Simón against Serbia wasn’t merely a symbolic gesture. According to Marca, De la Fuente effectively revealed his preferred starting XI for the upcoming World Cup, factoring in current injuries. Cubarsí and Laporte were deployed as the central defensive pairing, with Rodri anchoring the midfield. Simón’s presence in goal, represents a key piece of the puzzle as Spain prepares for international competition.
De la Fuente’s commitment to Simón extends beyond tactical considerations. He recognizes the goalkeeper’s leadership qualities and his integration within the squad. “He has humility and has integrated well with the group, and that is very important for us,” De la Fuente noted. This emphasis on team cohesion highlights the coach’s belief that a strong dressing room environment is crucial for success.
While acknowledging the quality of his other goalkeepers – Raya, often lauded in England as one of the world’s best, Remiro, and García – De la Fuente maintains that all four are exceptional. Still, his consistent selection of Simón demonstrates a clear hierarchy. “We have four of the best goalkeepers in the world,” De la Fuente said, “We’re not going to go wrong with whoever plays.” Despite this confidence in his options, the message is clear: Simón is the preferred choice when available.
The situation with Joan García is particularly noteworthy. While the goalkeeper was included in the squad, De la Fuente indicated he is likely to feature in the upcoming friendly against Egypt in Barcelona. This rotation, however, doesn’t diminish Simón’s standing. It’s a strategic move to provide playing time to other members of the squad while reaffirming Simón’s position as the undisputed number one.
De la Fuente’s approach to goalkeeping contrasts with the more analytical methods employed by some of the individual goalkeeper coaches within the national team setup. The coach embraces a more straightforward, player-focused approach. “It would be nice to say I studied at Harvard the philosophy of football… I’m more normal and basic, what I do is get to know the players,” he explained. This personal connection with his players, particularly Simón, appears to be a cornerstone of his management style.
Simón’s consistent performances have undoubtedly earned him De la Fuente’s trust. He has now started eleven consecutive matches for La Roja, a testament to his reliability and form. His clean sheet record during the qualifying stages for major tournaments further solidifies his importance to the team. He didn’t concede a goal in the first five group stage matches and only conceded twice against Turkey after qualification was already secured.
The coach’s unwavering support for Simón hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially considering past criticism the goalkeeper has faced. De la Fuente has consistently defended Simón, highlighting his trajectory and character. “Especially I am happy for Unai, who has been very mistreated for a long time. I hope some recognize the value he has now. We have three goalkeepers who could all be starters,” he stated during the recent Nations League campaign.
Looking ahead, Spain will continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. While De la Fuente remains open to rotating his squad, Unai Simón is expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper, providing a sense of stability and confidence to the Spanish defense. The next confirmed checkpoint for La Roja is the friendly match against Egypt in Barcelona, scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Fans can follow updates and team news through official Spanish Football Federation channels.
What are your thoughts on Luis de la Fuente’s decision to stick with Unai Simón? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion!
