Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons' journey in football began at an impressively young age, joining the famed La Masia academy at just seven years old. His early years were marked by an exceptional display of talent that set him apart from his peers. By the age of 14, Simons was not only recognized as a football prodigy but had also become a social media sensation, amassing over a million followers on Instagram.
Simons' burgeoning fame and skill earned him a significant contract with Nike, and he appeared in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. His standout performances caught the eye of elite clubs, including Chelsea, and his skill compilation videos became a staple on YouTube. Notably, Pau Moral recalled Simons' immense popularity during a national under-12s tournament, highlighting his early influence on the sport.
Now 21, Xavi Simons has evolved into one of Europe's most sought-after players, continuing to attract the attention of top-tier clubs.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has also made significant impressions during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. His versatility on the field allows him to play effectively on either wing or behind the striker, making him a valuable asset for any team. This versatility has drawn interest from prominent clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
In addition to his footballing skills, Simons speaks six languages fluently, a testament to his adaptability and intelligence. His immediate ambition is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having represented the national team since the under-15 level. Named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, his footballing pedigree also includes his older brother, who is named after Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family relocated to Alicante when he was three years old, and his father, Regillio, soon noticed his son's early understanding of football. Offers poured in from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal, but Barcelona was ultimately the chosen destination for Xavi's development. During his time at La Masia, Simons demonstrated not only his extraordinary talent but also an impressive mentality, which Pau Moral praised, noting his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers.
At 16, a contract disagreement with Barcelona led Simons to move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French to facilitate better integration, and at PSG, he was surrounded by iconic players, which provided invaluable experience. Understanding the importance of mental health in football, Simons debuted for PSG at 17 but encountered limited game time, leading to his move to PSV in 2022 for more regular football. He quickly made an impact, scoring on his debut for PSV and becoming the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists.
PSG, recognizing his potential, exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, manager Marco Rose saw Simons as an ideal fit for the team, where he continued to excel, and his Instagram following soared to nearly six million. Internationally, he has made significant strides, scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland. To date, he has one goal in 15 caps for the national team. Noteworthy figures such as Ronald Koeman and Bolo Zenden have praised his skills and attitude, with Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk expressing confidence in Simons' potential and mentality.
Quotes
Pau Moral humorously noted, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful...But no, no, this player was different!" He also reminisced about Simons’ early popularity, saying, "I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'" Simons himself reflected on his career, acknowledging, "I know what I want to achieve with my football career," and adding, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." His perspective on balancing life and the sport is clear as he mentioned, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football." Van Dijk's faith in Simons is unwavering, 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."
Xavi Simons' journey from a young talent at La Masia to a sought-after player in Europe exemplifies his dedication, versatility, and potential to leave an indelible mark on the world of football.