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Goalkeeper
Unai Simón
Unai Simón Mendibil
- 11/06/1997
- Gasteiz (Álava)
- 20/08/2018
- 1.90 metres
- 9
- 276
A key figure for Athletic Club between the posts and a regular starter for the Spanish national team. He is the winner of the Yashin Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d’Or Gala, which recognises the world’s best goalkeeper, and winner of the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the 2023/24 season, he won the Zamora Trophy, a milestone the club had not achieved since his idol, José Ángel Iribar, won it (1969–70). In addition to his honours as a 'Lion' (Super Cup and Copa del Rey), he has also won international titles with the national team (European and World Champion, and Nations League winner).
Having extended his contract with Athletic until 2029 with no release clause, Unai Simón is synonymous with loyalty to the club. He is, in his own right, yet another of the great goalkeepers to have come through the Lezama academy, which he joined at U16 level in the 2011/12 season, going on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Having extended his contract with Athletic until 2029 with no release clause, Unai Simón is synonymous with loyalty to the club. He is, in his own right, yet another of the great goalkeepers to have come through the Lezama academy, which he joined at U16 level in the 2011/12 season, going on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
