Unai Simon won the 2026 Yashin Trophy, the award for the best goalkeeper in the world, during the Ballon d'Or ceremony held in Madrid. The Spanish goalkeeper, already a starter in the 2026 World Cup and champion with Athletic Bilbao, received the trophy from Danish legend Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper. With the victory, Simon becomes the first Spaniard to receive this recognition.
The competition for the Yashin Trophy saw the participation of twelve high-level candidates: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), David Raya (Arsenal), Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Yassine Bounou (Al‑Hilal), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Joan Garcia (Barcelona), Edouard Mendy (Al‑Ahli), Matvey Safonov (PSG) and Vozinha (Chief Green). Simon's choice was motivated by his decisive performances during the World Cup, where he ensured numerous crucial saves, in addition to his consistency on the pitch with Athletic Bilbao.
The award was presented in an elegant setting, with the presence of numerous testimonials from world football. Peter Schmeichel expressed great respect for Simon's career, highlighting his technical ability and leadership in goal. Simon's victory marks a new chapter for Spain, which has already shown a strong presence in international tournaments thanks also to its coach, Luis de la Fuente, who won the Ballon d'Or for coaches in the same year.
By winning the Yashin Trophy, Simon consolidates his reputation among the best goalkeepers in contemporary football. His career, which began with Athletic Bilbao, saw a rapid rise thanks to his performances in the Champions League and the World Cup. Winning the award makes him a point of reference for young goalkeepers in Spain and Europe.
For the future, Simon is already at the center of numerous market negotiations. Several Serie A and Premier League teams have expressed interest in the Spanish goalkeeper, and his next move is expected to be the subject of great scrutiny. Meanwhile, Spain will continue to count on him as a key player in national and international competitions, while Athletic Bilbao will be able to count on a leading figure to strengthen their defence.