Unai Simon has won the Yashin Trophy and is the world's best goalkeeper in 2026

Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon won the 2026 Yashin Trophy at the Golden Ball Gala in London on Monday , making Murgia 'sgoalkeeper the world's top goalkeeper this year, the first Basque goalkeeper in history to win that award and the first Basque footballer to win an individual award within the Golden Ball.

In 2026, Simon won the World Cup as a member of the Spanish team, a tournament in which the Alavés played eight games in which he was only scored a goal and this summer became the longest-unbeaten goalkeeper in the World Cup , with 650 minutes chained from 2022 to 2026.

Simon, 29, as a professional, has won the Zamora Trophy as he was the least successful goalkeeper in the EA Sports League in the 2023-2024 season. In addition, the Murgian has won the King 's Cup with Athletic in the 2023-2024 season and, with the Spanish team, he was not only a world champion, but also a Euro 2024 champion , as well as a UEFA League of Nations champion in 2023.

"I am proud to be able to be here to receive this award, which would be impossible if it were not for the many people who have helped me, including my parents and sister, who have brought me up on the basis of principles and values, my partner, to be the oasis of tranquillity that is often needed in this crazy world that is football," said the Vitorian goalkeeper after receiving the award.

Simondid not forget his coaches, nor the other goalkeepers of the Spanish team, Joan Garcia and David Raya, "without whom it would not have been possible to win the World Cup prize." He also remembered his teammates, especially Oscar de Marcos, Iñigo Lekue and Gorka Guruzeta , for being among the three most wonderful people that football has given me.

He also remembered Koldo Asua for helping me understand football in a different way. He taught me that beyond trophies, the legacy that you leave behind when you finish your football career is the most important thing: because you are a good person and a good teammate, in addition to the victories that are made, he stressed.

   
And the best example is at home with Jose Angel Iribar. We still remember everything he gave us, gives us and will give us at 83. Thanks to them, I have learned to love Athletic, because it is a team that has given me everything, "he concluded.