Unai Simón arrives in London as the front‑runner for the Yashin Trophy, the award for world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
He was runner‑up in 2024, behind Argentina’s Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez. After lifting the Copa with Athletic and earning the Zamora as the least‑conceded keeper, his claim grew. The decisive factor now is Spain’s World Cup win, where he kept a clean sheet record of 650 minutes, eclipsing Italy’s Walter Zenga (517). For my money, that achievement makes him the clear favorite.
The shortlist also features nine rivals: Yassine Bounou (Al‑Hilal), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Joan Garcia (Barcelona), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Edouard Mendy (Al‑Ahli), David Raya (Arsenal), Matvey Safonov (Paris Saint‑Germain), Vozinha (Colo‑Colo) and the ever‑present Martínez (Chelsea).
His spot between the posts for La Roja is now undeniable after Luis de la Fuente called up Joan Garcia. Performances at the World Cup and the Nations League clash with Croatia erased any doubts. When asked if the debate was settled, the coach replied, “I hope he gets the recognition.”
Will the London Palladium witness Simón lifting the Yashin Trophy?
He will attend the Gala alongside Jon Uriarte.
Simón travels to the English capital accompanied by family and a club delegation led by president Jon Uriarte and sporting director Mikel González. The team notes that icon José Ángel Iribar cannot attend as hoped. The 70th Ballon d’Or gala, hosted by France Football and UEFA, will unfold at the London Palladium.
Simón keeps breaking records. In the latest Nations League match he surpassed Luis Miguel Arconada with 69 caps, leaving only Iker Casillas (167) and Andoni Zubizarreta (126) ahead. Tonight he could be crowned the world’s top keeper.