Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the famed La Masia academy at the tender age of seven. From an early age, Simons exhibited remarkable talent, catching the eyes of scouts and coaches alike. By the age of 14, he had not only become a football prodigy but also a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers.
Simons' burgeoning fame attracted commercial interest, and he secured a lucrative contract with Nike. His popularity continued to grow, enhanced by appearances in advertisements alongside football legends like Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills went viral on YouTube, and elite clubs like Chelsea began keeping tabs on him. Pau Moral, a figure familiar with youth talent, vividly recalled Simons' popularity during a national under-12s tournament.
At just 21, Simons is now one of the most sought-after players in Europe, a testament to his skill and marketability.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Simons is currently under contract with Paris St-Germain. He made significant impressions during a loan spell at RB Leipzig, further cementing his reputation. Top-tier clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in him.
One of Simons' standout attributes is his versatility. He can comfortably play on either wing or behind the striker. Furthermore, his linguistic abilities are impressive, as he speaks six languages fluently. His immediate goal is to make a mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented his national team since the under-15 level. Interestingly, Simons is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, and his older brother is named after Faustino Asprilla, reflecting their family's deep-rooted football connections.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' journey began when his family moved to Alicante when he was three. His father, Regillio, recognized Xavi’s early understanding of the game and his potential. Offers flooded in from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal, but Barcelona was the obvious choice for his family.
At La Masia, Simons demonstrated not only exceptional talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral noted his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers. However, at 16, a contract disagreement led him to move to PSG. His mother suggested learning French to help him integrate better, and he found himself surrounded by iconic players at PSG. Simons quickly learned the importance of mental health in football.
He made his debut for PSG at 17 but struggled with limited game time. Seeking regular football, he moved to PSV in 2022. Simons scored on his debut and quickly became joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. His performance prompted PSG to exercise their buy-back option, only to loan him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under Marco Rose at RB Leipzig, Simons was seen as an ideal fit for the team. His Instagram following soared to nearly six million, reflecting his growing influence both on and off the pitch. Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has earned 15 caps for the national team so far.
Regarded as one of the greatest Dutch talents by Ronald Koeman, Simons has been praised for his skill and attitude by former player Bolo Zenden. Even Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, emphasizing his talent and the scope for further improvement.
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