Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón has been rewarded for his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning the Yashin Trophy for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The Athletic Club shot-stopper received the prestigious award on Monday following a tournament in which he played a pivotal role in Spain’s title-winning campaign and claimed the World Cup Golden Glove.
Simón conceded just one goal in eight matches as Spain secured the world title, while his seven clean sheets set a new record for the competition, according to the report.
His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure helped strengthen Spain’s defensive performance throughout the tournament, making his World Cup displays a key factor in his success in the individual award race.
The 29-year-old emerged ahead of a strong group of nominees, including Arsenal’s David Raya, Barcelona’s Joan García, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Paris Saint-Germain’s Matvei Safonov.
Beyond his international achievements, the award represents another milestone in Simón’s career at Athletic Club, where he has developed into one of Spain’s leading goalkeepers.
He joined the club’s Lezama academy at the age of 14 and made his senior-team debut in 2018. Since then, he has established himself as an important member of the Basque club’s squad.
Simón’s recognition adds to the recent success of Spanish football, following the national team’s European Championship triumph in 2024 and its subsequent World Cup victory.
The Yashin Trophy, named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, is presented annually to the best goalkeeper in men’s football. Previous recipients include Gianluigi Donnarumma, Emiliano Martínez, Thibaut Courtois and Alisson Becker.
For Simón, the honour caps a memorable year in which his performances for Spain helped deliver football’s biggest international prize while earning him recognition among the world’s leading goalkeepers.
