Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons, a name that is now synonymous with football prodigy, began his journey at an incredibly young age. At just seven years old, Simons joined the famed La Masia academy of FC Barcelona. Even in his early years, he showcased exceptional talent, impressing coaches and peers alike. By the age of 14, Simons had become a football sensation, not just on the field but also on social media. With a substantial following of over a million on Instagram, he had already secured a contract with Nike and appeared in advertisements alongside football icons Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his skills inundated YouTube, capturing the interest of elite clubs, including Chelsea. His popularity was such that Pau Moral recalled the fervor around Simons during a national under-12 tournament. Fast forward to the present, and at 21, Xavi Simons has become 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 his loan spell at RB Leipzig. His versatility on the field is remarkable; he can play on either wing or behind the striker, a flexibility that has piqued the interest of football giants like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Adding to this impressive skill set is his proficiency in six languages, which undoubtedly aids his adaptability across different leagues and countries.
Simons' immediate goal is to leave a mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, a dream he has nurtured since representing his national team at the under-15 level. Named after the former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, he comes from a football-centric family. His older brother is named after Faustino Asprilla, a Colombian football legend, underscoring the family's deep-rooted connection to the sport.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family relocated to Alicante when he was three years old. His father, Regillio, noted that Xavi had an early understanding of the game, attracting offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. However, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons not only demonstrated immense talent but also an impressive mentality. Pau Moral emphasized his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers.
At 16, in a surprising move, Simons left Barcelona for PSG following a contract disagreement. Advised by his mother to learn French for smoother integration, he found himself surrounded by iconic players at the Parisian club. Not just a player of physical prowess, Simons quickly understood the importance of mental health in maintaining a successful football career. He debuted for PSG at 17 but had limited game-time, prompting a move to PSV in 2022 to secure regular football.
His debut for PSV was a testament to his abilities, as he scored immediately and went on to become the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and nine assists. PSG, recognizing his potential, exercised their option to buy him back, subsequently loaning him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, coach Marco Rose saw Simons as an ideal fit for the team. During this time, Simons' Instagram following soared to nearly six million, a clear indicator of his growing influence both on and off the field. He marked another milestone by scoring his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland, bringing his total to one goal in 15 caps for the national team.
Notably, Dutch football legends have high praise for Simons. Ronald Koeman regards him as one of the greatest Dutch talents, while Bolo Zenden commends his skills and attitude. Even Virgil van Dijk, the stalwart defender for the Netherlands, is confident in Simons' potential and mentality, stating, "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."
Despite his young age, Simons’ journey in football has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days at La Masia to his current role under contract with PSG and his aspirations for Euro 2024, Simons continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. With the right blend of talent, attitude, and versatility, Xavi Simons seems poised to become a defining player of his generation.