Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons, a name synonymous with prodigious football talent, began his journey at the tender age of seven when he joined the renowned La Masia academy. His early years were marked by exceptional displays of skill and an innate understanding of the game, qualities that quickly set him apart. By the age of 14, Simons had blossomed into a football prodigy and a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers.
His growing popularity and undeniable talent caught the attention of sports giant Nike, leading to a lucrative contract. Simons' star continued to rise as he appeared in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos showcasing his skills flooded YouTube, enhancing his reputation on a global scale. Major clubs like Chelsea soon expressed interest, underscoring his potential and marketability. His popularity was further cemented when Pau Moral recalled Simons' influential presence during a national under-12s tournament. Now at 21, Xavi Simons stands as one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has demonstrated his versatility on the field. His loan spell at RB Leipzig added to his growing resume, catching the attention of top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Simons' ability to play on either wing or behind the striker makes him an invaluable asset.
Adding to his impressive footballing skills is Simons' linguistic prowess; he speaks six languages fluently, a testament to his adaptability and intelligence. His immediate goal is to leave a mark at Euro 2024, representing the Netherlands—a country he has represented since the under-15 level. Interestingly, Simons was named after the legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother bears the name of another football maestro, Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
When Simons' family relocated to Alicante at the age of three, his father, Regillio Simons, quickly noticed Xavi's keen understanding of the game. Offers poured in from clubs such as Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal, but it was Barcelona that the family ultimately chose. At La Masia, Simons exhibited not just talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral lauded his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers.
However, at 16, Simons made the pivotal decision to move to PSG due to a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother advised him to learn French to better integrate into his new surroundings. At PSG, he found himself surrounded by iconic players and quickly understood the importance of mental health in football. Despite making his debut for PSG at 17, his game-time was limited, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for more regular football.
Simons made an immediate impact at PSV, scoring on his debut and finishing as the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG then exercised their option to buy him back, subsequently loaning him to RB Leipzig, where he continued to impress.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under the guidance of Marco Rose, Simons proved to be an ideal fit for RB Leipzig. His social media presence continued to grow, nearing six million Instagram followers. Internationally, Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team.
He has garnered high praise from influential figures in football. Ronald Koeman sees Simons as one of the greatest Dutch talents, while Bolo Zenden has commended his skills and attitude. Even Virgil van Dijk has expressed 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."
Xavi Simons himself remains grounded despite his meteoric rise. As he succinctly puts it, "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. Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Indeed, Xavi Simons' journey has been marked by both incredible talent and profound challenges. As he continues to evolve both on and off the field, the football world eagerly anticipates the next chapters in the career of this extraordinary young player.