Unai Simón Wins Yashin Trophy, Delivers Emotional Speech

Unai Simón, the Athletic Club and Spain goalkeeper, was awarded the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the year at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. The 29-year-old's victory was widely seen as a culmination of an exceptional season, highlighted by Spain's World Cup win where he conceded only one goal and set a record of 650 minutes without conceding Source: ABC, infobae.

The Speech

Simón's acceptance speech was noted for its emotional depth and personal revelations. He thanked his family, his childhood friends, and his girlfriend, Carmen, whom he called "that oasis of tranquility that many times in this chaotic world of football we all need" Source: ABC, El Confidencial. This public mention of his partner was a departure from his usual discretion regarding his private life Source: El Confidencial. He also paid tribute to his teammates, specifically mentioning fellow Spanish goalkeepers David Raya and Joan García Source: ABC.

Remembering a Mentor

A significant portion of his speech was dedicated to the late Koldo Asua, a historic educator from Athletic Club's Lezama academy. Simón credited Asua with teaching him "to understand football in a different way," emphasizing that the true legacy is being remembered as a good person and teammate, beyond titles and individual accolades Source: El Confidencial, El Mundo. He also cited legendary Athletic goalkeeper José Ángel Iribar as a living example of these values Source: El Mundo.

Grounded Roots

Multiple reports highlight Simón's strong connection to his origins. He revealed that he became a goalkeeper simply to play with his friends in his hometown of Murgia Source: El Español. He values that his close-knit group of friends has never taken advantage of his success, helping him keep his feet on the ground Source: El Español. His family background—a father who is a Civil Guard officer and a mother who is an Ertzaina—is also credited with instilling his values Source: ABC.

Simón's victory makes him the first Spanish goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy, which was established in 2019 Source: El Mundo. Cata Coll also won the women's Yashin Trophy, marking the first time both awards went to Spanish goalkeepers Source: infobae.