Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
In the world of football prodigies, few names resonate as strongly as Xavi Simons. Born in 2003, Simons joined Barcelona's famed youth academy, La Masia, at the tender age of seven. From the very beginning, his exceptional talent was evident. By age 14, Simons was not just a promising footballer but also a social media sensation, racking up over a million Instagram followers. His burgeoning fame caught the eye of major brands, securing him a contract with Nike and appearances in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho.
Simons' skills were widely celebrated, with compilation videos of his talents flooding YouTube. Elite clubs like Chelsea began to show interest in the young star. Pau Moral, a notable figure in Simons' early career, recounted the player's immense popularity during a national under-12s tournament, highlighting his early rise to fame. Today, at 21, Xavi Simons is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Arising Versatility and Linguistic Prowess
Currently under contract with Paris St-Germain (PSG), Simons continues to showcase his versatility and talent. During a loan spell at RB Leipzig, he made a notable impression, and his abilities have not gone unnoticed by top-tier clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Whether playing on either wing or behind the striker, Simons' adaptability on the field is remarkable.
Adding to his impressive skillset, Simons speaks six languages fluently, a testament to his commitment both on and off the field. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, a journey he has been preparing for since representing the national team at the under-15 level. Named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, it's clear that football talent runs in the family, with his older brother named after another football great, Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' football journey began early, with his family relocating to Alicante when he was three. Encouraged by his father, Regillio, who noticed Xavi’s early understanding of the game, offers started pouring in from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. However, it was Barcelona that the Simons family ultimately chose.
At La Masia, Simons quickly demonstrated his talent and an impressive mentality. Pau Moral frequently highlighted his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers. Despite a fruitful development period at Barcelona, a contract disagreement led Simons to move to PSG at the age of 16. His mother’s advice to learn French for better integration proved invaluable as he found himself surrounded by iconic players at the French club. Simons understood early on the importance of mental health in football, a lesson that has served him well throughout his career.
At 17, Simons made his debut for PSG, although his game time was limited. Seeking regular football, he moved to PSV in 2022, where he promptly scored on his debut. In his debut season, he became the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. Recognizing his talent and progress, PSG exercised their option to buy him back and subsequently loaned him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Under the guidance of Marco Rose, Simons found an ideal fit at RB Leipzig. His Instagram following surged to nearly six million, reflecting his growing influence both on and off the field. Internationally, Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland, adding to his impressive record of one goal in 15 caps for the national team.
Ronald Koeman, the current Netherlands manager, views Simons as one of the greatest Dutch talents, a sentiment echoed by former players like Bolo Zenden, who praised Simons for his skills and professionalism. Even Virgil van Dijk, a veteran in the Dutch squad, has expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality.
Quotes
Pau Moral fondly recalls, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful... But no, no, this player was different!" He adds, "I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'" These quotes illustrate the magnetic presence Simons has carried from his early years.
Reflecting on his journey, Simons remarked, "I know what I want to achieve with my football career." Acknowledging the challenges he has faced, he stated, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." Balancing his life, he also noted the importance of taking breaks, saying, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Virgil van Dijk's confidence in the young star sums it up well: "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."