Emotional onboard message and warm welcome from Iribar to Simón after the Yashin Trophy at Athletic's Lezama
Unai Simón received an emotional congratulation from José Ángel Iribar at Lezama after winning the Yashin Trophy, the first Spanish goalkeeper to lift the Ballon d'Or award, the recognition that honors the best goalkeeper of the season.
Message aboard the plane
The Athletic footballer featured in a video recorded during his flight to London, which went viral on social media. Before takeoff, the crew used the public address system to say a few words, starting with “Today a very special night awaits you.” The announcement recalled the years of effort of the goalkeeper and stated that behind every save there are hours of training, sacrifice and passion. It concluded by wishing him good luck and cheering him with a “¡Zorte on, Unai!”, prompting applause and a “¡Aupa Unai!” among the passengers.
Conquest of the Yashin Trophy in London
At the Ballon d'Or gala in London, Unai Simón lifted the Yashin Trophy, becoming the first Spanish goalkeeper to achieve it. During the same season, he also was part of the Spanish team that were crowned world champions, conceding only one goal in eight matches. For his performance at the World Cup, he received the tournament's Golden Glove.
Upon returning to Athletic's facilities in Lezama, the club shared on its social media a video of the goalkeeper's reception. In it, teammates and club staff appear congratulating him. Among the first to greet him is Óscar de Marcos, former player and now member of Edin Terzic's coaching staff.
Unai Simón claims the Yashin Trophy, succeeding Donnarumma
The most emotional moment came when Unai Simón met José Ángel Iribar, one of Athletic's greatest legends. Iribar, a reference for generations of red-and-white goalkeepers, gave him a congratulation that added special significance to the return.
Simón has acknowledged on several occasions Iribar's influence on his way of understanding Athletic and football. The goalkeeper received the Yashin Trophy from former great Peter Schmeichel, succeeding the Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma on the roll of honour. Two seasons ago he had finished second in the award voting, coinciding with the Euro Cup triumph with the Spanish national team.
During his speech in London, accompanied by his family and a club delegation, Simón recalled the success achieved with Spain. He said: “It has been one of the most beautiful summers of our lives.”
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The two videos, from the onboard message to the welcome in Lezama, demonstrate how Simón has shared one of the greatest recognitions of his career with those who accompany him on and off the pitch. In his speech, Simón thanked his family and the Athletic delegation that accompanied him to London.