Simón, Spain’s calm first-choice keeper shaped by roots and discipline | OneFootball

Unai Simón, Trofeo Zamora winner in 2023-24, Spain’s established No 1 and a standout in the 2023 Nations League, turns 29 on 11 June. His image is of serenity and authority, grounded in Murgia, Álava, and a deep sense of belonging.

According to as.com, Simón is Luis de la Fuente’s undisputed choice and one of Spanish football’s most discreet figures. He projects calm under pressure yet shows an easy humour in celebration, and has been open about mistakes, mental fatigue and pressure, renewing at Athletic without a release clause.

Media exposure has never appealed to him, and he prefers the pitch to the press room. He keeps close ties to Álava and to Murgia, where he still spends time with old friends and traditions.

Simón began at AD Zuia, joining Athletic at 14 for the cadet side. In 2018 he was recalled from a brief Elche loan after Kepa Arrizabalaga left for Chelsea and Iago Herrerín was injured. He debuted on 20 August 2018 and was the starter a year later.

Called up by Luis Enrique in 2020, he soon kept De Gea and Kepa out. Luis Enrique publicly backed him, hailing his top level and recalling early criticism, even joking he should save his best for when they faced each other.

He idolises José Ángel Iribar, who has praised Simón’s all-round goalkeeping and even suggested the younger man has surpassed him. His mother is an ertzaina and his father, Daniel Simón, a Guardia Civil officer from Zamora, and he credits family discipline with shaping him. He says their message is to enjoy himself, though his own standards can get in the way.

Beyond football he pursued studies, first in Physiotherapy, then during lockdown in Business Administration. Gorka Guruzeta has described him as the academy’s most studious and deeply self-assured, while contemporaries from Euskadi youth teams speak warmly of his character.

Source: as.com