Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined La Masia, FC Barcelona's famed youth academy, at the tender age of seven. Even at such a young age, Simons exhibited an extraordinary level of talent that set him apart from his peers. By the age of 14, he was not only a football prodigy but also a social media sensation, having amassed over a million Instagram followers.
Simons' burgeoning celebrity status was marked by a significant endorsement deal with Nike. He also appeared in advertisements alongside global football icons like Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos showcasing his remarkable skills flooded YouTube, catching the attention of elite clubs like Chelsea. Pau Moral, a notable figure in youth football, recalled Simons' immense popularity during a national under-12s tournament.
Now at 21, Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Xavi Simons is under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), but his career has seen noteworthy performances during loan spells, particularly at RB Leipzig. His versatility on the pitch allows him to play effectively on either wing or in the role behind the striker. This flexibility has attracted interest from top-tier clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
Beyond his football talents, Simons speaks six languages fluently, an impressive feat that enhances his ability to integrate seamlessly into different cultural environments. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Having represented the Dutch national team since the under-15 level, Simons carries the legacy of a name well-known in football; 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
Simons' journey to becoming a football star began early. His family relocated to Alicante when he was three years old. His father, Regillio, noted Xavi's early grasp of the game, prompting interest from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons joined La Masia and began to exhibit not just talent but also an impressive mentality.
Pau Moral highlighted Simons’ winning attitude and his ability to motivate peers. However, at 16, a contract disagreement led to Simons' move to PSG—a transition guided by his mother's advice to learn French for better integration.
At PSG, Simons found himself surrounded by iconic players. Understanding the importance of mental health in football, he navigated the complexities of a professional career. Despite debuting for PSG at 17, he had limited game-time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for more regular football.
The decision paid off; Simons scored on his debut for PSV and finished the season as 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 out to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under the management of Marco Rose, Simons became an ideal fit for RB Leipzig. The young star's Instagram following neared six million as his on-field performances continued to attract global attention. He also scored his first international goal for the Netherlands against Iceland, earning one goal in his 15 caps for the national team so far.
Ronald Koeman, former Barcelona coach and current manager of the Netherlands national team, views Simons as one of the greatest Dutch talents. Praised by former international Bolo Zenden for his skills and attitude, and having the confidence of national team captain Virgil van Dijk, Simons is positioned for a promising future. Van Dijk has expressed that Simons still has much to offer, emphasizing his strong mentality as a key factor in his anticipated success.
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