How Spain's humble superstar Simon became world's best keeper
Summary
Spain and Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. He conceded one goal and kept seven clean sheets as Spain won the World Cup, and he also won the 2023–24 Zamora Trophy.Key Facts
- Simón received the Yashin Trophy from former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
- Simón thanked his family, friends, coaches, teammates and late youth mentor Koldo Asua during his acceptance speech.
- Asua worked with young Athletic Club players for 13 years and encouraged them to balance football with family ties and education.
- Simón wears black as a tribute to former Athletic Club goalkeeper José Ángel Iribar, who holds the club’s record with 614 appearances.
- Simón conceded one goal and kept seven clean sheets during Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign.
- His longest run without conceding at the tournament lasted about 650 minutes, surpassing Walter Zenga’s 517-minute record from the 1990 World Cup.
- Simón won the 2023–24 Zamora Trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-conceded-to-games ratio in Spain.
- David Raya and Joan García are among the goalkeepers who could compete for Spain’s number-one place.
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