Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the prestigious La Masia academy at the tender age of seven, quickly demonstrating a level of talent that set him apart from his peers. Showcasing exceptional skills early on, Simons was seen as a football prodigy by the time he turned 14. He also became a social media sensation, amassing over a million followers on Instagram at a young age.
His burgeoning fame attracted the attention of major brands, and he secured a contract with Nike. Simons appeared in advertisements alongside football giants like Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho, further increasing his visibility. His skillful plays and techniques became a staple on YouTube, with compilation videos flooding the platform and drawing attention from elite clubs, including Chelsea.
Pau Moral, a coach who knew him well, recalled Simons' overwhelming popularity during a national under-12s tournament, with fans clamoring for photos and autographs. Fast forward to today, and at 21, Simons is considered one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Xavi Simons has showcased his versatility and talent during a loan spell at RB Leipzig. His impressive performances have caught the eye of several top clubs, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich all expressing interest in acquiring his services.
Simons is not just a one-dimensional player; he has the ability to play on either wing or in the role behind the striker, making him a valuable asset for any team. In addition to his football prowess, Simons also speaks six languages fluently – a testament to his dedication and adaptability.
His immediate goal is to leave a mark playing for the Netherlands in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. Having represented his nation since the under-15 level, Simons is no stranger to international competition. Interestingly, he is named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his elder brother bears the name of Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Born to a family that moved to Alicante when he was three, Xavi Simons' football journey began under the watchful eye of his father, Regillio, who keenly noted Xavi's early understanding of the game. Offers from Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal quickly followed, but it was Barcelona that the family ultimately chose for young Xavi.
During his time at La Masia, Simons impressed not only with his talent but also with his winning mentality. Pau Moral, a close observer, highlighted Simons' ability to motivate his peers and his relentless drive to win. However, a contract disagreement at 16 led to his move to PSG.
His transition to life in Paris was facilitated by his mother's advice to learn French, enabling better integration with his new teammates and surroundings. At PSG, Simons was surrounded by iconic players, and he quickly grasped the importance of mental health in football. Despite making his debut for PSG at 17, Simons found limited game-time and subsequently moved to PSV in 2022 for more regular football.
At PSV, Simons made an immediate impact, 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, loaning him to RB Leipzig to further develop his skills and gain more experience.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Marco Rose, the manager at RB Leipzig, saw Simons as an ideal fit for his team. As his Instagram following approached six million, Simons continued to make headlines. He scored his first goal for the Netherlands in a match against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team.
Praised by former Dutch international Ronald Koeman as one of the greatest talents from the Netherlands, and endorsed by Bolo Zenden for his skills and attitude, Simons has captured the admiration of both fans and football veterans. Virgil van Dijk, another stalwart of Dutch football, expressed his confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, predicting that the young player has much more to offer in the years to come.
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 and 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