De la Fuente defends Unai Simón after his performance against Croatia

Coach Luis de la Fuente has defended goalkeeper Unai Simón after his decisive intervention in the match against Croatia, where the Athletic goalkeeper made two key saves in the first half, according to EFE and journalist Carlos Zaballa.

Key performance by Simón

Unai Simón, who was at the Split stadium, prevented two clear goals in the first half, keeping the score level and showing his ability under pressure. The saves were described as “savior” and were crucial for the stability of the Spanish team.

With this match, Simón reached his 69th appearance for the national team, surpassing the legend Luis Arconada and remaining only behind Iker Casillas and Andoni Zubizarreta on the list of goalkeepers with the most caps.

At the press conference, Luis de la Fuente said: “I don’t know in what sense, for me there is none. I am proud of all my players, but it is true that matches are won in the areas, a good defence, a great goalkeeper and good finishers.” He added that Simón deserves recognition and that “he has chances to win the Goalkeeper Ballon d'Or”.

The coach also recalled that before the World Cup some had questioned the goalkeeper after Joan Garcia’s call‑up, but he maintained that the performance against Croatia removes any controversy about his position.

Recognition and future

Simón had already finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, behind ‘Dibu’ Martínez, and was nominated as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Moreover, he broke the clean‑sheet record at a World Cup with 650 minutes without conceding a goal.

The Ballon d'Or gala will be held on Monday, October 26 in London, where Simón will seek to cement his place among the best goalkeepers on the planet.