Unai Simón, much more than the world’s best goalkeeper | OneFootball

After Slavko Vincic blew full time, Unai Simón walked past Spain’s celebrations to console Argentina’s players, a display of class that contrasted with some Albiceleste reactions and defined his campaign.

El Correo reports that the Athletic goalkeeper became the standard-bearer for De la Fuente’s values, his sportsmanship matched by a record-breaking World Cup campaign.

Simón kept seven clean sheets in a single edition and conceded only one goal, a quarter-final strike by Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere, a run of 650 minutes.

With the Golden Glove secured, he said others’ gloves would have worked harder, praised team-mates for Spain’s defensive level and called seven shutouts hard to beat.

He also took the same honour at the Euros in Germany two years ago, making him favourite for the Yashin Trophy at October’s Ballon d’Or. In 2024, after winning the European title with Spain, the Copa with Athletic and the Zamora in La Liga, he was edged by Emiliano ‘el Dibu’ Martínez.

Serious and competitive, he rarely looks flustered and has improved his footwork through hard work. He rebounded from an error against Croatia at Euro 2020 from a Pedri back-pass, and at 29, after starting two World Cups, says a third may be difficult, so he will take it step by step with the Nations League and the Euros next. For now, Spain and Athletic are in safe hands.

Source: El Correo