Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined the famed La Masia academy at the tender age of seven, distinguishing himself as a prodigious talent from a young age. By the time he was 14, Simons was already a football sensation, and his prowess on the pitch translated into a significant social media following, amassing over a million Instagram followers. His skill set and growing popularity didn't go unnoticed by big brands; he secured a lucrative contract with Nike and appeared in high-profile advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos showcasing his football skills flooded YouTube, further enhancing his global reputation and drawing interest from elite clubs like Chelsea.
Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons' rising popularity during a national under-12s tournament, noted how the young footballer was already making waves. Now, at 21, Xavi Simons stands as one of Europe's most sought-after players.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Simons is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having made a significant impression during a loan spell at RB Leipzig. Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, along with Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich, have expressed keen interest in acquiring his talents. Known for his versatility, Simons excels on either wing and can also play effectively behind the striker. Remarkably, he speaks six languages fluently, a testament to his multifaceted abilities.
Simons is focused on making a substantial impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. He has been representing the Dutch national team since the under-15 level, indicating a longstanding commitment to his nation's footballing success. Interestingly, Xavi was named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, while his older brother was named after Colombian footballer Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Xavi Simons' journey began when his family relocated to Alicante at the age of three. His father, Regillio, recognized Xavi's early grasp of the game. Despite offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal, Barcelona's La Masia was the chosen destination for young Xavi. There, he not only demonstrated immense talent but also showcased an impressive mentality. According to Pau Moral, Simons possessed a winning attitude and the innate ability to motivate his peers.
However, at 16, a contract disagreement led Simons to make a bold move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French to better integrate into the new environment. At PSG, he found himself surrounded by iconic players, which broadened his understanding of the importance of mental health in football. Despite debuting for PSG at 17, Simons struggled with limited game-time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for regular first-team football. He scored on his debut for PSV and went on to become the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG, recognizing his growing prowess, exercised their buy-back option and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Marco Rose, the head coach of RB Leipzig, found Simons to be an ideal fit for the team. During his time at Leipzig, Xavi's Instagram following climbed to nearly six million, evidencing his global appeal. His performances on the international stage have been commendable as well; Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has since earned 15 caps for the national team.
Ronald Koeman, the Dutch national team coach, views Simons as one of the greatest talents to emerge from the Netherlands. His skills and attitude have drawn praise from former Dutch international Bolo Zenden, and the Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality. Van Dijk remarked, "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."
Conclusion
Xavi Simons' journey from a seven-year-old at La Masia to a key player on Europe's grand stage is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work. His early years at La Masia, transition to PSG, and subsequent impact at RB Leipzig highlight his growth as a footballer. With eyes set on making a mark at Euro 2024 and the continued interest from top clubs, Simons' future in football promises to be as exciting as his journey thus far.
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