Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined La Masia, Barcelona's esteemed youth academy, at the tender age of seven. From the onset, Simons showcased exceptional talent, catching the eyes of scouts and trainers alike. By the time he was 14, Simons had evolved into a football prodigy and a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers. His burgeoning reputation earned him a lucrative contract with Nike and the opportunity to appear in advertisements alongside football icons Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills flooded YouTube, further solidifying his status as a young talent. Elite clubs like Chelsea began showing interest in Simons, a testament to his growing allure. Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons' popularity, recalled the fervor surrounding him during a national under-12s tournament. Today, at 21, Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has had stints outside the club, including a loan spell at RB Leipzig where he made a lasting impression. His versatility on the pitch is unmatched; he effortlessly fills roles on either wing or behind the striker. This flexibility has not gone unnoticed, with top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich showing interest in his talents. Beyond his footballing skills, Simons speaks six languages fluently, a rare feat that showcases his intellectual flexibility. His immediate goal is to make a significant mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Having represented the national team since the under-15 level, he holds a long-standing connection with Dutch football. Interestingly, Simons is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother carries the name of Faustino Asprilla, highlighting a family tradition of celebrating football legends.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' football journey began when his family relocated to Alicante when he was three. His father, Regillio, quickly recognized Xavi's early understanding of the game. A series of offers from clubs such as Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal followed, but the family chose Barcelona for his development. At La Masia, Simons not only demonstrated his talent but also exhibited an impressive mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and his ability to motivate peers, traits that set him apart. At 16, Simons made a pivotal decision to move to PSG after a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother advised him to learn French to aid his integration, demonstrating the family's foresight. At PSG, he was surrounded by iconic players, which could have been overwhelming for a young player, yet he thrived. Understanding the importance of mental health in football, he successfully balanced pressure with performance. Despite debuting for PSG at 17, he struggled for game time, leading to a move to PSV in 2022, where he secured regular football. Simons made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut and eventually becoming the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG, recognizing his value, exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
During his time at RB Leipzig, Marco Rose perceived Simons as an ideal fit for the team. Simons' social media influence continued to grow, with his Instagram following nearing six million. On the international stage, he scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team. Dutch boss Ronald Koeman sees Simons as one of the country's greatest talents, a view echoed by former footballer Bolo Zenden, who lauded Simons for his skills and attitude. Teammate Virgil van Dijk is equally confident in Simons' potential and mentality, underscoring a bright future for the young player.
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