Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the prestigious Barcelona football academy, La Masia, at the tender age of seven. It didn't take long for those at the Academy to recognize his exceptional talent. By the age of 14, Simons was not just a football prodigy but also a burgeoning social media sensation. His charisma on the pitch translated well to his social media presence, amassing over a million Instagram followers.
His rising star power attracted significant commercial interest, leading him to secure a lucrative contract with Nike. Simons appeared in advertisements alongside football icons Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho, further elevating his profile. Compilation videos of his skills became viral sensations on YouTube, drawing the attention of elite European clubs like Chelsea.
Pau Moral, who witnessed Simons' ascent, recalls his unprecedented popularity during a national under-12s tournament. At just 21 years old, Simons has already become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Simons is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). During a loan spell at RB Leipzig, he made a lasting impression, showcasing his versatility by playing effectively on either wing or behind the striker. This adaptability has caught the attention of clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
In addition to his football skills, Simons is equally remarkable off the pitch, speaking six languages fluently. His immediate goal is to shine for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented the national team since the under-15 level. Remarkably, he is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother is named after Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
The Simons family moved to Alicante when Xavi was just three years old. His father, Regillio, quickly noticed his son's early understanding of the game. Offers flooded in from several clubs, including Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal, but the family chose FC Barcelona.
At La Masia, Simons demonstrated not only his talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and capacity to motivate his peers. However, at 16, a contract dispute with Barcelona led him to transfer to PSG. Understanding the importance of integrating well into his new environment, his mother advised him to learn French.
Surrounded by iconic players at PSG, Simons quickly grasped the significance of mental health in football. Although he debuted for PSG at 17, he had limited game-time. Seeking regular football, he moved to PSV in 2022 and scored on his debut. His performance was stellar, becoming the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Marco Rose, the manager at RB Leipzig, saw Simons as an ideal fit for his team. During his time at Leipzig, Simons' Instagram following soared to almost six million. His performances on the international stage also gained attention; he scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has since earned 15 caps and netted once for the national team.
His talents have not gone unnoticed by football legends. Ronald Koeman views Simons as one of the greatest Dutch talents, while Bolo Zenden has praised both his skills and attitude. Even Virgil van Dijk has expressed his confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, stating, "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."
Quotes
Pau Moral reminisced about Simons’ early fame, saying, "I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'" He further added humorously, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful...But no, no, this player was different!"
Xavi Simons himself reflects on his journey with a sense of determination and realism. "I know what I want to achieve with my football career. My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs," he stated. He also emphasized the need for balance, saying, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
With a bright future ahead, Xavi Simons continues to captivate the footballing world, both on and off the pitch. As Europe’s elite clubs vie for his signature, it’s clear that he is poised to make a significant impact on football for years to come.