The world’s best goalkeeper plays for Athletic

When Unai Simón Mendibil last renewed his contract at Athletic Club, he said: “I’d like to be the best goalkeeper in the world whilst playing for Athletic.” Now he is.

It's official, the best goalkeeper in the world plays for Athletic Club, as decided by the international press via their vote for the Yashin Trophy. 

Unai was the clear winner and received the accolade from Peter Schmeichel to emotional applause from the entire Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, which is organised by France Football magazine and UEFA. Athletic's no.1 had serious competition in the vote, with stars like Thibaut Courtois, Dibu Martínez, Gianluigi Donnarumma and his World Cup teammates David Raya and Joan García also in the running.

Simón now ranks among the very best in Athletic’s history, alongside his great idol, José Ángel Iribar, Athletic’s ultimate number one, who was in everyone’s thoughts on an unforgettable night despite being unable to attend the event. 

Unai was accompanied in London by Athletic’s president, Jon Uriarte, and the director of football, Mikel González, as well as his closest family and friends: his partner, his parents, his brother and his agent, the former Athletic player Carlos Merino. 

It was a day to remember. His first round of applause came on the Vueling (a club sponsor) flight to England after his presence was announced over the PA system. It was a fitting prelude to what was to come.

The Athletic goalkeeper, who has spent his entire career with the Lions, has put the finishing touch to an unforgettable 2026 in which he played in the Champions League and won the World Cup alongside his team-mates Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte, under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, a former Lion himself. 

This is Unai's second individual honour this year, following the Golden Glove he won for the best goalkeeper at the World Cup. In total it's a third personal accolade for his collection, also joining the Zamora Trophy he won two seasons ago.