Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the renowned La Masia academy at the tender age of seven. From his early days, Simons showcased exceptional talent, quickly marking himself as a standout player. By the age of 14, he was not only a football prodigy but also a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers. This early fame earned him a lucrative contract with Nike, featuring in advertisements alongside football luminaries such as Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills flooded YouTube, capturing the attention of elite clubs like Chelsea.
Pau Moral, who observed Simons during a national under-12s tournament, recalls the player's immense popularity. Today, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after football talents in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Simons is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His impressive loan spell at RB Leipzig cemented his reputation, attracting interest from top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Versatility is one of Simons' strong suits; he can effectively play on either wing or behind the striker. Additionally, his linguistic skills are equally impressive, speaking six languages fluently.
Simons has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, starting from the under-15 team. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact with the Dutch national team at Euro 2024. It’s worth noting that he is aptly named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother takes his name from Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' early life saw his family relocating to Alicante when he was three years old. His father, Regillio, quickly noticed Xavi’s inherent understanding of the game. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cádiz, and Villarreal soon followed, but his family chose Barcelona for his development. It was at La Masia that Simons’ talent and resilient mindset began to shine. Pau Moral, one of his mentors, often highlighted Simons' winning attitude and his ability to motivate his peers.
However, a contract disagreement with Barcelona saw Simons moving to PSG at the age of 16. His mother advised him to learn French to better integrate into his new surroundings. At PSG, Simons was surrounded by iconic players and quickly realized the importance of mental health in professional football. He made his debut for PSG at 17 but found game time limited. Seeking more regular football, Simons moved to PSV in 2022, where he scored on his debut. He wasted no time making an impact, finishing the season as the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG soon exercised their option to buy him back and loan him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, Marco Rose viewed Simons as an ideal fit for the team. His Instagram following skyrocketed to nearly six million. Internationally, Simons notched his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland, having earned one goal in 15 caps thus far. Dutch manager Ronald Koeman sees Simons as one of the greatest talents the country has produced recently. Praise from football personalities like Bolo Zenden, who commends Simons for his skills and attitude, and Virgil van Dijk, who expresses confidence in Simons’ potential and mentality, indicates the high regard in which he is held.
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
As Xavi Simons continues to develop and refine his skills, the football world eagerly watches to see how far this prodigious talent will go. With a solid support system and a keen understanding of both his mental and physical needs, Simons is well-positioned to achieve his goals and leave an indelible mark on the sport.