Unai Simón Shines Again, Adding to His Mythic Status

Unai Simón's recent triumphs reached a peak during Athletic Club's victory over Real Sociedad, marking an extraordinary week for the Spanish keeper. For the third time in just six days, the crowd rose to their feet to applaud Simón, who was clad in black, as he basked in the glory of being recognized as the world's best goalkeeper with the Lev Yashin trophy. The ovation echoed through the London Palladium at the award ceremony and reverberated again at San Mamés before the match. But it was in the midst of the fierce 197th Basque derby where the appreciation for Simón deepened, creating a bond between him and the fans that transcended the game itself. As Athletic battled Real Sociedad, the score stood at 2-1 when Simón made an incredible save to deny Carlos Soler an equalizer. The stadium erupted in cheers as the ball ricocheted off his palm, momentarily overshadowing the urgency of the match. In that electric atmosphere, all 50,092 fans united in applause, creating a moment that felt bigger than the game itself. This was just one of four stunning saves Simón made, helping to end La Real's four-derby winning streak. Athletic’s goals came from Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer, sealing a 2-1 win. Earlier in the first half, Simón showcased his skills with a series of remarkable saves, including a nerve-wracking moment when he dribbled past Mikel Oyarzabal. But the save on Soler was the crowning glory of an unforgettable night and week, a chapter of his career that will be etched in history. Athletic's coach, Edin Terzic, remarked, “We already knew. If there were any doubts about the trophy, they can be set aside now.” It wasn't just the accolade that mattered, but the timing and manner in which Simón received it. On Monday, he took a flight from Bilbao to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he felt the weight of being a World Cup champion and record-breaker. He had spent time reflecting on his acceptance speech, crafting the right words during his daily drives to Lezama. When he finally took the stage, he delivered a heartfelt, note-free speech that captured the essence of his journey in just over two minutes. Spain resonated with his message, which was infused with authenticity and gratitude. He thanked his lifelong friends, his partner, and his parents for their unwavering support. He also paid tribute to José Ángel Iribar, the legendary Athletic goalkeeper, and Koldo Asua, who emphasized the importance of leaving a positive legacy over accumulating trophies. Simón has been with Athletic since he was 14, experiencing a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout his nine seasons. In 2018, he found himself fourth in the goalkeeper hierarchy and went on loan to Elche, but fate intervened when Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, creating an opportunity for Simón to return. "Sometimes you need some luck; that was mine," he reflected, as he quickly transitioned to becoming a key player for Athletic. The memories of winning the Copa del Rey in 2024 stand out as some of the best moments of his life, even more cherished than the World Cup. Despite being the first-choice keeper, he played a supportive role in guiding his teammate through the decisive moments of the cup final. When he won the Zamora award for being La Liga’s best goalkeeper, he understood the significance it held for the club, a testament to his growth and dedication. As for the thrilling matches across La Liga, they continued to unfold with teams battling fiercely, but none could overshadow the remarkable week of Unai Simón.