Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons' journey in football began at an incredibly young age when he joined La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, at just seven years old. From the outset, Simons showcased exceptional talent, which quickly set him apart from his peers. By the age of 14, he was not just a football prodigy but also a social media sensation, having amassed over a million Instagram followers. His burgeoning fame soon caught the attention of global brands, leading to a sponsorship deal with Nike. He appeared in advertisements alongside football legends Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho, and compilation videos of his impressive skills flooded YouTube.
Elite clubs like Chelsea took notice of his talent early on, with Pau Moral recalling Simons' immense popularity during a national under-12s tournament. Now, at 21, Simons is 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 impact during his loan spell at RB Leipzig. This caught the eye of major clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Versatility is one of Simons' most valuable traits, as he is capable of playing on either wing or behind the striker. Additionally, his linguistic abilities are exceptional; he speaks six languages fluently, making him a valuable asset in multicultural team environments.
Simons' immediate goal is to make a mark for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Having represented his country since the under-15 level, his ambitions are as high as his potential. It's noteworthy that he is named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, while his older brother is named after Faustino Asprilla, hinting at a family deeply rooted in football.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family relocated to Alicante when he was just three years old. His father, Regillio, noticed Xavi's early understanding of the game and received offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal. Ultimately, the family chose Barcelona, where Simons demonstrated not only immense talent but also a commendable mentality at La Masia. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and ability to motivate his peers.
At 16, Simons moved to PSG following a contract disagreement with Barcelona. Heeding his mother's advice, he learned French to better integrate into his new environment. Surrounded by iconic players, Simons understood the importance of mental health in football. Despite making his debut for PSG at 17, he struggled for game-time and subsequently moved to PSV in 2022 to gain more regular football. His impact was immediate; he scored on his debut and eventually became the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie with 19 goals and 9 assists. PSG, recognizing his value, exercised their option to buy him back before loaning him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
At RB Leipzig, Simons found a mentor in Marco Rose, who viewed him as an ideal fit for the team. His popularity on social media continued to grow, with his Instagram following nearing six million. Internationally, Simons scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and has earned 15 caps for the national team. He is highly regarded by Dutch football figures, including Ronald Koeman, who sees him as one of the greatest talents the country has produced. Bolo Zenden has praised his skills and attitude, and Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence in Simons' potential and mentality.
Quotes
Pau Moral once remarked, "Maybe he is playing now because his hair is long, because he is beautiful...But no, no, this player was different!" Recalling Simons' early fame, he added, "I remember the people, 'Xavi, Xavi, photo, photo!'"
Xavi Simons has always been clear about his goals, saying, "I know what I want to achieve with my football career." Acknowledging the challenges he has faced, he noted, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." Understanding the need for balance, he also stated, "Sometimes I have to just relax, not think all day about football."
Virgil van Dijk's confidence in Simons is evident: "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."