Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
From a young age, Xavi Simons displayed a remarkable amount of talent and drive that set him apart from his peers. Joining Barcelona’s legendary youth academy, La Masia, at only seven years old, Simons quickly cemented his reputation as a football prodigy. By age 14, his exceptional skills were not only acknowledged on the pitch but also celebrated on social media, where he amassed over a million Instagram followers.
Simons' growing popularity caught the attention of global brands, leading to a lucrative contract with Nike. He even shared the screen with superstars like Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho in advertisements, further boosting his profile. Compilation videos showcasing his extraordinary skills garnered millions of views on YouTube, and elite clubs like Chelsea were taking notice. Pau Moral, a former coach, recalled Simons' widespread popularity during a national under-12s tournament, highlighting his early impact on the sport.
Today, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe, continuing to build on the promise he showed as a child.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has made notable impressions during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. The interest from football giants like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich speaks volumes about his potential. Versatility is one of his standout traits; Simons is comfortable playing on either wing or in a more central attacking role behind the striker, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Aside from his on-field skills, Simons is equally impressive off the pitch. He is fluent in six languages, a testament to his intellectual capabilities and adaptability. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented his nation since the under-15 level. It is interesting to note that he is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother is named after the Colombian footballer Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Born to football-loving parents, Simons' family moved to Alicante when he was three. His father, Regillio, recognized his son's early understanding of the game, prompting interest from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the Simons family chose Barcelona, where Xavi's talent and competitive spirit flourished. Pau Moral highlighted Simons' winning attitude and his ability to motivate his teammates, making him a standout at La Masia.
However, at 16, a contract disagreement with Barcelona led Simons to make a significant career move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French to better integrate into the new environment. Despite being surrounded by iconic players at PSG, Simons understood the importance of mental health in football. Although he made his debut for PSG at 17, game-time was limited. Seeking more regular football, he moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut. Simons ended the season as the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie, with 19 goals and 9 assists to his name.
His stellar performance prompted PSG to exercise their option to buy him back, subsequently loaning him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Marco Rose, the manager of RB Leipzig, saw Simons as an ideal fit for his team. With an Instagram following nearing six million, Simons' popularity continues to surge. On the international stage, he scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team. Dutch football legends are already singing his praises; Ronald Koeman considers him one of the greatest Dutch talents, while former player Bolo Zenden commended his skills and attitude. Even the Dutch captain, Virgil van Dijk, expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, indicating a bright future for the young star.
Quotes
Pau Moral reminisced, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful...But no, no, this player was different!" he said, recalling the crowd's reaction, "I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'"
Simons himself stated, "I know what I want to achieve with my football career," but also confessed the challenges he has faced, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." Emphasizing the need for balance, he added, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Virgil van Dijk, a seasoned defender, highlighted Simons' promising future: "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."
Xavi Simons is a name that continues to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide. With exceptional talent, versatility, and a strong mindset, he is well on his way to becoming a football legend.