Unai Simón took to the Ballon d’Or stage in London on Monday to collect the Yashin Trophy, recognising him as the season’s best goalkeeper. Yet he devoted his speech to explaining how much he owed to others. The Athletic Club and Spain goalkeeper turned an individual award into a series of thank-yous tracing his life: family, friends, coaches, teammates and those who taught him how to understand football.
He began by thanking his parents and brother for his upbringing, and his partner for the tranquillity she brings him. Then came his childhood friends, whom he has been meeting up with for more than twenty years. He credited them with a role that extends beyond the stadium: reminding him how privileged his life is and helping him “keep his feet on the ground”. His international recognition began with those closest to him.
What Koldo Asua taught him and what Iribar represents
One of the names he brought to the stage was Koldo Asua, who died in 2021. A language and literature teacher and a respected figure in youth football in Biscay, he worked in player support at Lezama, Athletic’s academy, taking an interest in the youngsters’ studies and families. His work supported their development beyond training. Unai explained that Asua had taught him to value the personal legacy that remains when a sporting career ends.
The example he chose to illustrate that lesson was José Ángel Iribar. At 83, the man known as Txopo remains a reference point at Athletic, even for those who never saw him play. Simón remembered him for everything he continues to give the club. Iribar had hoped to accompany him to the ceremony but was unable to attend. His absence did not prevent him from taking a central place in a speech that linked sporting excellence with being remembered as a good person and a good teammate.
Becoming the best without leaving Athletic
Unai’s relationship with Athletic began in the 2011-2012 season, when he joined Lezama at youth level. He made his first-team debut in August 2018 and built a career there that took him into the national team and major international tournaments. In May 2024, he extended his contract until 2029 without a release clause. At the time, he expressed an ambition he has now fulfilled: “To be the best goalkeeper in the world, but as part of this club.” Staying in Bilbao was part of the goal.
That commitment also has names attached to it. At the ceremony, he singled out Óscar de Marcos, Iñigo Lekue and Gorka Guruzeta, describing them as “three of the most wonderful people football has given me”. The sense of belonging he had expressed when renewing his contract found its everyday meaning in those relationships: teammates who share a profession, friendships that outlast matches and lessons learned together in a dressing room.
The rivals he also thanked
He also remembered David Raya and Joan García, his fellow Spain goalkeepers and contenders for the same Yashin Trophy. All three had been part of the World Cup-winning squad that summer, with Simón as the first-choice keeper. His thanks recognised their contribution to that success. The speech made room for those competing with him for a place and working towards a shared goal during national-team camps.
The strength of that competition speaks for itself. Raya won the Premier League with Arsenal, reached the Champions League final and claimed his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove, thanks to nineteen clean sheets. Joan García attended the ceremony as FC Barcelona’s goalkeeper. Sharing a national-team squad with both places Unai among outstanding alternatives. He also thanked three coaches who have shaped his career: Luis de la Fuente, Ernesto Valverde and Luis Enrique.
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