Unai Simón wins the Golden Ball and delivers an emotional speech
On Monday, Unai Simón received the trophy that recognises the best goalkeeper of the season at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, becoming the first Spanish goalkeeper to achieve it and delivering one of the most emotional speeches of the event.
Gratitude and Family Memories
"It's a pride for me to be able to be here receiving this award. An award that would be impossible to collect if it weren't for the help of many people to whom I must be eternally grateful," he said, naming his parents and his sister for the principles and values that have shaped him. He continued thanking his girlfriend, whom he described as "an oasis of calm" amid the chaos of football, and his childhood friends with whom he has shared more than twenty years.
The goalkeeper of Athletic Club and the Spanish national team also recalled his teammates, especially Óscar de Marcos, Iñigo Lekue and Gorka Guruceta, whose support has been essential throughout his career.
Simón recalled the World campaign of the past season, in which the Spanish national team won the World Cup, conceding only one goal in eight matches and taking home the Golden Glove of the competition. That achievement reinforced his conviction that collective work surpasses any individual triumph.
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A Historic Milestone at the Ballon d'Or
By winning the Ballon d'Or, Simón became the first Spanish goalkeeper to claim this award, which was established in 2019. So far, the prize had been won by Alisson Becker, Gianluigi Donnarumma (twice), Thibaut Courtois and Emiliano Martínez (twice).
In his speech, he highlighted the importance of legacy: "What truly matters is the legacy one leaves when this is over. Being recognised for being good people, good teammates beyond the triumphs we achieve," he said, citing Ángel Iribar and "Chopo" as examples of integrity.
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The recognition was presented to him by legend Peter Schmeichel. Simón had been runner‑up in this category two seasons ago, the same year Spain lifted the European Championship. In London, he attended accompanied by his family and an Athletic delegation that included president Jon Uriarte and sporting director Mikel González; the club had tried to have José Ángel Iribar also present, but it was not possible.