Unai Simón wins Yashin Trophy as world's best goalkeeper

Athletic Bilbao and Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the season, at the Ballon d'Or gala in London on 26 October 2026. According to L'Équipe, the 29-year-old takes over from Gianluigi Donnarumma as holder of the award. Former Denmark and Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel handed him the trophy on stage.

Few will be surprised by the outcome. Mundo Deportivo noted that while the main Ballon d'Or prize was hard to call, the goalkeeping award had effectively been settled once the season ended. Simón was in goal throughout Spain's World Cup triumph in the summer and was beaten only once in the whole tournament.

Why did Unai Simón win the Yashin Trophy?

Unai Simón won the Yashin Trophy mainly on the strength of his World Cup with Spain. ScoreLab data shows he played every minute of Spain's 8 matches, 720 minutes in total, kept 7 clean sheets and conceded just 1 goal. His form has carried into the autumn: in October he played the full 90 minutes of Spain's 2-1 Nations League win away to Croatia.

What did Unai Simón say in his speech?

Unai Simón used his acceptance speech to share the credit, thanking his parents, his girlfriend and his childhood friends. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Vitoria-born keeper also paid tribute to Athletic Bilbao, saying the Basque club had given him everything.

Who is Unai Simón?

Unai Simón, born on 11 June 1997, is a Spanish goalkeeper who came through the Athletic Bilbao academy. ScoreLab data credits him with 69 caps for Spain and 334 club appearances. His honours include the World Cup, the European Championship, the UEFA Nations League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, plus European titles at Under-21 and Under-19 level. He finished runner-up for the same award in 2024, behind Emiliano Martínez.

He has started the new campaign in steady form. ScoreLab data shows he has played all 9 of Athletic's La Liga games, 810 minutes in total, keeping 5 clean sheets and conceding 8 goals, with a season average rating of 7.06. His contract with Athletic Bilbao runs until 30 June 2029.

What's next for Unai Simón and Athletic?

Athletic Bilbao travel to AE Prat in the Copa del Rey on 29 October 2026, then host Real Sociedad in the Basque derby in La Liga on 1 November 2026. Simón kept a clean sheet in the 4-0 home win over Getafe on 25 October 2026, the day before the ceremony.