Unai Simón Returns to Bilbao Roots After Claiming Yashin Trophy
Athletic Club and Spain national team goalkeeper Unai Simón secured the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper, anchoring his career in a commitment to his Basque club without social media or tattoos, elcorreo.com reported.
Simón’s journey to the global award involved overcoming physical setbacks, including a right wrist injury that required surgery and kept him away from the gala. Instead of traveling to the ceremony, he remained in Bilbao to continue his recovery. Records show he was essential to Spain's recent tournament runs, conceding just one goal across eight matches in the global tournament—a strike from Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere—while logging 650 minutes without surrendering a goal when factoring in his Qatar appearances.
From Basque Muddy Pitches to Lezama Academy
Born in Murgia, Simón spent his early years playing on muddy local pitches before scout Peio Agirreoa recruited him to Athletic Club’s Lezama academy in 2011 at age 14. His path to the first team featured a brief 20-day loan to Elche in July 2018. Athletic Club recalled him swiftly following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s high-profile transfer to Chelsea and an injury to Iago Herrerín.
Simón made his senior club debut on August 20, 2018, against Leganés. He later debuted for the Spain national team on November 11, 2020, against the Netherlands. Over subsequent seasons, he accumulated 274 appearances for Athletic Club, conceding 300 goals and keeping 91 clean sheets, alongside 69 caps for his country.
Simón Signs Contract Extension to Stay with Athletic Club
In May 2024, Simón signed a contract extension keeping him tied to Athletic Club through June 30, 2029. The agreement notably omitted a buyout clause, reflecting his intention to finish his career with the Basque side. “I would love to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but with this team,” Simón stated in an interview with elcorreo.com.
His honors list includes a World Cup title, a European Championship, a UEFA Nations League trophy, the under-19 and under-21 European championships, a Copa del Rey, a Supercopa de España, the Zamora Trophy for the 2023-24 La Liga season, and an Olympic silver medal from the Tokyo 2020 Games. Though Julen Agirrezabala started in goal during Athletic’s 2024 Copa del Rey triumph that ended a four-decade wait, Simón served as a vital counselor during the campaign.
Life Outside the Spotlight in Vitoria
Away from football, Simón maintains a lifestyle detached from modern celebrity culture. He avoids social media entirely, does not have tattoos, and drives an eight-year-old car. During off-seasons, he returns to Murgia and Vitoria, where he participates in local festivities like the fiestas de La Blanca dressed in the traditional black blouse of the Gautarrak peña.
His preparation relies on intense concentration during 90-minute matches, balancing a serious on-field demeanor with a close-knit circle of childhood friends. As he continues his rehabilitation in Bilbao, his focus remains fixed on returning to San Mamés to defend Athletic’s goal once cleared by medical staff.
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