Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the famed La Masia academy at the tender age of seven, quickly making a name for himself with his exceptional skill and understanding of the game. By the age of 14, he had already become a football prodigy and a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers. His talent and charisma caught the attention of major brands, leading him to secure a contract with Nike and appear in advertisements alongside football icons like Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho.
Simons' skills were showcased in numerous compilation videos on YouTube, drawing interest from elite clubs such as Chelsea. Pau Moral, who has followed Simons' career closely, recalled his enormous popularity during a national under-12s tournament. Now, at 21, Simons is one of the most sought-after young players in European football.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Simons is currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but he has made a considerable impact during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. This has not gone unnoticed, with top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich showing interest in him. Known for his versatility, Simons can play on either wing or just behind the striker, making him a valuable asset to any team.
In addition to his footballing talent, Simons is also a polyglot, speaking six languages fluently. His immediate goal is to make a mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, a dream built upon years of representing his national team since the under-15 level. Named after the iconic Barcelona midfielder Xavi, he comes from a family with a rich football heritage. His older brother is named after Colombian football great Faustino Asprilla, underscoring the family's deep connection to the sport.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family relocated to Alicante when he was just three years old. His father, Regillio, noted Xavi's early aptitude and understanding of football. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal came in, but the family chose Barcelona's La Masia for his development. At La Masia, Simons exhibited not only immense talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers. However, a contract disagreement at the age of 16 led Simons to move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French for better integration, a skill that would prove invaluable.
At PSG, Simons was surrounded by iconic players and developed an understanding of the importance of mental health in football. He made his debut for PSG at the age of 17 but struggled for regular game time. Aiming for more opportunities, he moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut. Simons ended the season as the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie, tallying 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG quickly exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under the management of Marco Rose, Simons found an ideal environment at RB Leipzig that complemented his playing style. His Instagram following also swelled to nearly six million, showing his immense popularity. On the international stage, Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps. Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman sees him as one of the greatest talents in recent Dutch history. Praised by former players like Bolo Zenden for his skills and attitude, Simons has earned the respect and confidence of experienced leaders like Virgil van Dijk, who believes in his potential and mentality.
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