Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons joined La Masia at the tender age of seven. From an early age, Simons showcased exceptional talent, making it evident that he was destined for greatness. By the time he turned 14, he was already a football prodigy and a social media sensation. His impressive skills and charismatic personality helped him amass over a million Instagram followers, a staggering feat for someone so young.
Simons' burgeoning reputation didn't go unnoticed. He secured a contract with Nike, further solidifying his status as a future star. This led to appearances in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills flooded YouTube, capturing the attention of elite clubs like Chelsea, who showed a keen interest in him. Pau Moral, reflecting on Simons' popularity, recalled the excitement surrounding him during a national under-12s tournament.
At just 21 years old, Simons stands as one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently, Simons is under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG). He made a significant impression during a loan spell at RB Leipzig, showcasing his versatility on the field. Able to play either wing or behind the striker, Simons has attracted interest from top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. His diverse skill set makes him an invaluable asset to any team.
Beyond his football abilities, Simons is a linguistic genius, speaking six languages fluently. This talent undoubtedly aids in his seamless integration into different teams and cultures, further enhancing his appeal. His immediate goal is to make a mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, a goal he has been working towards since representing the national team at the under-15 level. Intriguingly, he is named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother is named after the Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' journey began when his family moved to Alicante when he was three years old. His father, Regillio Simons, quickly noticed Xavi's early understanding and passion for the game. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal came pouring in, but the family ultimately chose Barcelona, where Xavi would thrive at La Masia.
At La Masia, Simons demonstrated not only his talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers, a testament to Simons' leadership qualities. However, at age 16, Simons decided to move to PSG after a contract disagreement with Barcelona. Following his mother's advice, he learned French to better integrate into his new environment.
Despite being surrounded by iconic players at PSG, Simons understood the importance of mental health in football. At 17, he made his debut for PSG but was given limited game-time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 for regular football. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and finishing the season as the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG then exercised their option to buy him back and loaned 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 the team. Simons continued to soar, nearing six million followers on Instagram and scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland. He now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team and is viewed by many, including Ronald Koeman, as one of the greatest Dutch talents.
Praise for Simons extends beyond coaching staff. Former Dutch international Bolo Zenden commends his skills and attitude, while Virgil van Dijk expresses confidence in Simons' potential and mentality. "He is a very talented player who has so much to give," says van Dijk. "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."
Simons himself remains focused and driven. "I know what I want to achieve with my football career," he states. Despite the ups and downs he mentions, his resolve is unwavering. His journey is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and extraordinary potential, making him a player to watch in the coming years.