Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the illustrious La Masia at the tender age of seven. From a young age, he showcased exceptional talent, and by 14, Simons had already established himself as a football prodigy and social media sensation. His burgeoning talent was matched by his growing online presence, as he quickly amassed over a million Instagram followers. This drew the attention of major brands, and soon, Simons secured a contract with Nike, starring in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his extraordinary skills flooded YouTube, catapulting his fame even further. Elite clubs, including Chelsea, began to show interest in this young phenom. Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons' rising popularity, recalled the national under-12s tournament where the buzz around Simons was palpable.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Today, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), he impressed during a loan spell at RB Leipzig, attracting interest from premier clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Versatility is one of Simons' key strengths, with the ability to play on either wing or behind the striker. His off-the-field talents are equally impressive; he speaks six languages fluently. Looking ahead, his immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands in the Euro 2024. Simons has been representing his national team since the under-15 level, and his leadership qualities and skills have made him a standout. Intriguingly, he is named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother is named after another footballing icon, Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' journey to becoming a football star began when his family relocated to Alicante when he was just three years old. His father, Regillio, quickly recognized Xavi's natural understanding of the game. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal swiftly followed, but the family ultimately chose Barcelona. At La Masia, Simons demonstrated not only immense talent but also a commendable mentality. Pau Moral highlighted Simons' exceptional winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers.
However, at 16, Simons faced a pivotal moment in his career. Due to a contract disagreement with Barcelona, he made the bold decision to move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French to ease his integration, a testament to the importance of adapting to new environments. At PSG, Simons found himself surrounded by iconic players, which shaped his understanding of the importance of mental health in football. At 17, he made his debut for PSG, though his game-time was limited, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for regular football. Simons wasted no time in making an impact, scoring on his debut for PSV. He went on to become the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie, tallying 19 goals and 9 assists. Recognizing his potential, PSG exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, under the guidance of Marco Rose, Simons flourished, further solidifying his reputation as an elite talent. His Instagram following soared, nearing six million. Internationally, Simons continued to make strides, scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland. To date, he has one goal in 15 caps for the national team. Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman has praised Simons as one of the greatest Dutch talents, a sentiment echoed by former players like Bolo Zenden, who lauded his skills and attitude. Current national team captain Virgil van Dijk is equally confident in Simons' potential and mentality, asserting that he has much more to offer and will continue to improve.
"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