Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
At the tender age of seven, Xavi Simons joined the renowned academy La Masia, instantly standing out among his peers. His exceptional talent became evident early on, and by the age of 14, he had already begun to make waves in the football world as both a prodigy and a social media sensation.
Simons quickly amassed over a million followers on Instagram and secured a lucrative contract with sportswear giant Nike. He appeared in advertisements alongside football stars Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho, further cementing his status as a rising star. Compilation videos of his remarkable skills flooded YouTube, attracting attention from elite clubs like Chelsea. Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons' burgeoning popularity, remembered the national under-12s tournament, where the young talent was a standout figure.
Now at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Simons made a significant impression during a loan spell at RB Leipzig. His versatility on the field has attracted interest from top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Capable of playing on either wing or behind the striker, his adaptability makes him a valuable asset.
Adding to his on-field prowess, Simons speaks six languages fluently—a testament to his intellectual versatility. His immediate goal is to make a memorable impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented his national team since the under-15 level. Interestingly, he is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother was named after Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
When Xavi was three, his family relocated to Alicante. His father, Regillio, noted that Xavi had an early understanding of the game, attracting offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons continued to develop his talent and mentality at La Masia. Pau Moral praised his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers, marking him as a leader even at a young age.
At 16, Simons moved to PSG after a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother advised him to learn French to better integrate into his new environment. Surrounded by iconic players at PSG, he began to understand the importance of mental health in professional football. Debuting for PSG at 17, Simons initially had limited game time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for more regular football. He scored on his debut for PSV and quickly became joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and nine assists, leading PSG to exercise their option to buy him back and subsequently loan 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. His influence continued to grow, amassing nearly six million Instagram followers and scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland. Although he has only one goal in 15 caps for the national team, prominent figures like Ronald Koeman and Bolo Zenden view him as one of the greatest Dutch talents. Virgil van Dijk also expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality, believing that he has much more to offer.
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
In summary, Xavi Simons' journey from a young La Masia talent to a promising star at PSG and RB Leipzig is a testament to his skill, versatility, and determination. With his eyes set on making a mark at Euro 2024 and his growing influence in international football, Simons is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years.