Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons' journey into the world of football began at a remarkably young age. Joining Barcelona's illustrious academy, La Masia, at just seven years old, Simons quickly made an indelible impression with his exceptional talent. By the age of 14, Simons was not only recognized as a football prodigy but had also become a social media sensation.
Simons amassed over a million Instagram followers, secured a contract with Nike, and appeared in advertisements alongside football giants Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. His skills showcased in numerous compilation videos on YouTube further cemented his growing popularity. Interest from elite clubs like Chelsea was soon to follow. Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons’ early days, recalled his massive popularity during a national under-12s tournament.
At just 21, Xavi Simons has already become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons has left a lasting impression during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. Prestigious clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have shown keen interest in him. Known for his versatility, Simons can effectively play on either wing or behind the striker, adapting to various tactical setups.
In addition to his on-field prowess, Simons speaks six languages fluently, a testament to his intellect and adaptability. 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. It's worth noting that Simons is named after former Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi, while his older brother draws his name from the Colombian football legend, Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family relocated to Alicante when he was just three, and his father, Regillio, recognized Xavi’s instinctive understanding of the game at an early age. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cádiz, and Villarreal followed quickly, but Barcelona was the ultimate choice for his family.
Simons' time at La Masia further revealed his immense talent and extraordinary mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and his ability to inspire teammates. However, at 16, a contract disagreement with Barcelona led Simons to move to PSG. His mother advised him to learn French to integrate better into his new environment, preparing him for the challenges ahead.
Surrounded by iconic players at PSG, Simons realized the importance of mental health in football. Despite debuting for PSG at 17, he found game time limited, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for regular playtime. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and ultimately becoming the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and nine assists. PSG exercised their option to buy him back, loaning him to RB Leipzig to continue his development.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, Simons found a fitting environment under the guidance of Marco Rose. His online popularity also soared, with his Instagram following nearing six million. On the international stage, Simons marked his achievements by scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has since earned 15 caps for the national team, with prominent figures like Ronald Koeman and Bolo Zenden praising his talent and attitude.
Virgil van Dijk, reflecting on Simons’ abilities, 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."
Quotes from Xavi Simons himself reveal a player deeply reflective about his career and personal growth. "I know what I want to achieve with my football career," he asserted. The journey hasn't been straightforward, as he mentioned, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." His awareness of the need to balance life and football was evident when he said, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Through his early years at La Masia, transition to PSG, and impactful loan spell at RB Leipzig, Xavi Simons has demonstrated remarkable versatility, mental tenacity, and linguistic proficiency. As he continues to grow and develop, both club and international arenas await the unfolding of an exciting career for one of Europe's brightest young talents.