Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons embarked on his football journey at an early age, joining the renowned La Masia academy at just seven years old. From the outset, Simons showcased exceptional talent, and by the age of 14, he had already established himself as a football prodigy and a social media sensation. His extraordinary skills, coupled with his charisma, helped him amass over a million followers on Instagram.
Simons' growing popularity led to a lucrative contract with Nike, and he soon appeared in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills flooded YouTube, sparking interest from elite clubs like Chelsea. Pau Moral, who witnessed Simons' rise, recalled his immense popularity during a national under-12s tournament. Now, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Simons is under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG). His performances while on loan at RB Leipzig left a lasting impression, drawing interest from top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. A highly versatile player, Simons is capable of playing on either wing or behind the striker. His ability to speak six languages fluently further highlights his adaptability and intelligence.
Simons has set his sights on making a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Having represented the national team since the under-15 level, he aims to continue his progression on the international stage. Notably, Xavi Simons was named after the legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother's namesake is Colombian football icon Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' journey in football began when his family relocated to Alicante when he was three years old. His father, Regillio, recognized Xavi's early understanding of the game, which led to offers from several clubs, including Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons joined La Masia and quickly demonstrated both talent and an impressive mentality.
Pau Moral, a key figure during Simons' time at La Masia, emphasized his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers. However, at the age of 16, Simons made the bold decision to move to PSG following a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother, understanding the importance of cultural integration, advised him to learn French.
At PSG, Simons was surrounded by iconic players, which helped him understand the significance of mental health in football. Despite debuting for PSG at 17, his game-time was limited, leading him to seek more regular football at PSV in 2022. His move to PSV proved fruitful as he scored on his debut and went on to become the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and nine assists. Recognizing his potential, PSG exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, Marco Rose saw Simons as an ideal fit for the team's system, and the young midfielder did not disappoint. His Instagram following soared to nearly six million, reflecting his growing influence both on and off the pitch. Simons further solidified his reputation by scoring his first goal for the Netherlands in a match against Iceland. Despite having only one goal in 15 caps for the national team so far, Dutch football authorities have high hopes for his future contributions.
Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands coach, views Xavi Simons as one of the greatest talents in Dutch football. Former player Bolo Zenden has praised Simons for his skills and attitude, while Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality. Van Dijk believes that Simons has much more to offer and is assured in his steady development.
Quotes
Pau Moral fondly reminisced, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful... But no, no, this player was different!" He also recalled the crowds calling out, "Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!"
Reflecting on his journey, Simons remarked, "I know what I want to achieve with my football career," and added, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." He emphasized the importance of balancing his focus on football with relaxation, saying, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Virgil van Dijk's confidence in Simons' future was evident as he stated, "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."