Unai Simon has been named the 2026 Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London after helping Spain win the World Cup.
The Athletic Club goalkeeper was presented with the Yashin Trophy on Monday, adding a major individual award to a year in which he also won the World Cup Golden Glove.
Simon played a central role in Spain’s successful campaign, conceding only one goal in eight matches as Luis de la Fuente’s team claimed the world title. His performances helped the side maintain one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records.
The 29-year-old was chosen ahead of a shortlist featuring Arsenal’s David Raya, Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Paris Saint-Germain’s Matvei Safonov.
His displays at the World Cup were decisive in the voting. Simon kept seven clean sheets, a new record for the competition, and was rewarded with the Golden Glove for his performances.
The recognition is also a significant achievement for Athletic Club, where Simon has progressed from the club’s academy into one of Spain’s leading goalkeepers.
Born in the Basque Country, Simon joined Athletic Club’s Lezama academy aged 14 before making his first-team debut in 2018. He has since established himself as an important player for the club.
His success adds to a period of major international achievement for Spanish football. Spain won the European Championship in 2024 before following that success with their World Cup triumph.
The Yashin Trophy is named after Lev Yashin, the legendary Soviet goalkeeper, and is awarded annually to the best goalkeeper in men’s football.
Previous winners include Gianluigi Donnarumma, Emiliano Martinez, Thibaut Courtois and Alisson Becker.
