Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Born for football, Xavi Simons joined La Masia, FC Barcelona's famed youth academy, at just seven years old. His early years were marked by exceptional talent and an innate understanding of the game. By the age of 14, Simons was already a football prodigy and a social media sensation. His remarkable skills drew the attention of fans around the globe, amassing over a million Instagram followers long before he made his professional debut.
Simons' burgeoning popularity led to a lucrative contract with Nike and opportunities to appear in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. His skills were featured in numerous compilation videos on YouTube, eagerly watched by his fast-growing fan base. Elite clubs, including Chelsea, took notice, setting the stage for a highly anticipated professional career. As Pau Moral recalled, Simons was already a star during a national under-12s tournament, highlighting his early impact on the football scene.
Now at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe, showcasing his versatility and football intellect across various leagues.
Rising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Simons is currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having impressed during a loan spell at RB Leipzig. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in securing his services. His versatility on the field is noteworthy; he can command either wing or play a pivotal role behind the striker. Additionally, Simons speaks six languages fluently, a skill that enhances his adaptability and integration into different teams and cultures.
Simons aims to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, a goal clearly within reach given his impressive track record. He has represented the national team since the under-15 level, demonstrating his longstanding commitment and prowess. Interestingly, he was named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother bears the name of Faustino Asprilla, a nod to his family's deep-rooted football connections.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Xavi Simons' journey began when his family relocated to Alicante when he was three. His father, Regillio, quickly recognized Xavi's early understanding of the game, drawing offers from clubs such as Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. However, it was Barcelona that his family ultimately chose, recognizing the unique opportunities provided by La Masia.
At Barcelona's youth academy, Simons not only demonstrated exceptional talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral, a coach at La Masia, praised his winning attitude and his ability to motivate peers. However, at the age of 16, a contract disagreement led Simons to make a significant move to PSG. Guided by his mother’s advice to learn French for better integration, Simons found himself surrounded by iconic players, quickly grasping the importance of mental health in football.
His debut for PSG came at 17, though limited game time prompted a move to PSV in 2022 for more regular football. Simons wasted no time making an impact, scoring on his debut and becoming the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. Recognizing his value, PSG exercised their option to buy him back, subsequently loaning him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under the guidance of Marco Rose, Simons flourished at RB Leipzig, contributing significantly to the team's performance. His social media following also soared, nearing six million Instagram followers, reflecting his growing global influence. On the international stage, Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has since earned 15 caps for the national team.
He is highly regarded by figures such as Ronald Koeman, who views him as one of the greatest Dutch talents, and Bolo Zenden, who praises his skills and attitude. Even seasoned professionals like Virgil van Dijk express confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, foreseeing a bright future for the young star.
Quotes
"Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful...But no, no, this player was different!" - Pau Moral
"I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'" - Pau Moral
"I know what I want to achieve with my football career." - Xavi Simons
"My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." - Xavi Simons
"Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football." - Xavi Simons
"He is a very talented player who has so much to give. He can still be so much better than he is already, but he has a good mentality, so I am not worried that won’t happen. I am confident in him." - Virgil van Dijk