Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons, a name synonymous with prodigious footballing talent, began his journey at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy when he was just seven years old. From an early age, Simons showcased exceptional skill and quickly made a name for himself, displaying a natural flair for the game that set him apart from his peers. By the age of 14, he had not only established himself as a football prodigy but also as a social media sensation, amassing over a million Instagram followers.
Simons' meteoric rise in popularity was further cemented when he secured a lucrative contract with Nike. This deal led to appearances in high-profile advertisements alongside football icons Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his exceptional skills began to flood YouTube, catching the eyes of elite clubs like Chelsea. Pau Moral, who witnessed Simons’ growing popularity during a national under-12s tournament, recalled the fervor surrounding the young talent.
Today, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe. His journey from La Masia to becoming a well-rounded professional has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has continued to impress during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. His versatility on the field allows him to play on either wing or behind the striker, making him a valuable asset for any team. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in acquiring his services.
Beyond his footballing talent, Simons is known for his linguistic skills, speaking six languages fluently. This ability has undoubtedly aided his integration into different teams and cultures. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented the national team from the under-15 level.
Interestingly, Xavi is named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández, while his older brother bears the name of Faustino Asprilla, another legendary footballer.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' journey began when his family moved to Alicante when he was just three years old. According to his father, Regillio, young Xavi had an early understanding of the game, drawing attention from clubs like Elche, Cádiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons thrived at La Masia. He demonstrated not only outstanding talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral highlighted Xavi’s winning attitude and his ability to motivate his peers.
However, at 16, Simons made a decisive move to PSG after a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother advised him to learn French, which helped him integrate better into the PSG environment, surrounded by iconic players. Understanding the importance of mental health in football, he continued to develop his game. At 17, he debuted for PSG but found limited game-time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for regular football.
His impact at PSV was immediate; scoring on his debut, he became the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. Recognizing his potential, PSG exercised their option to buy him back and then loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, manager Marco Rose saw Xavi Simons as an ideal fit for his team. Simons' Instagram following neared six million as his reputation continued to grow. He marked another milestone by scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland, adding to his one goal in 15 appearances for the national team.
Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman views Simons as one of the greatest talents in Dutch football. Additionally, former footballer Bolo Zenden has praised Simons for his skills and attitude, while Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence in the young player's potential and mentality.
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