Ballon d'Or: Simon wins the Yashin Award

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon, representing Athletic Bilbao and the national team, won the "Yashin" award for the best goalkeeper in the world for 2026 during the Ballon d'Or ceremony organized by French magazine "France Football" in London.

Simon’s victory came after his contribution to Spain's success in the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where he excelled in guarding his country's goal and received the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

The Spanish goalkeeper managed to keep a clean sheet in seven out of eight matches played during the World Cup, conceding only one goal, and recorded 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.

Simon received the award from former Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, achieving another individual milestone in his career after finishing second in the "Yashin" award race in 2024.

Born on June 11, 1997, in the Spanish city of Vitoria, Simon began his career in the youth ranks of Athletic Bilbao before becoming the team's first-choice goalkeeper. He also contributed to Spain's victory in the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2023.