Player Background: Xavi Simons' Early Years
Xavi Simons' journey to football stardom began at an exceptionally young age. Born to a supportive family, he joined FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy at just seven years old. Almost immediately, Simons showcased an extraordinary level of talent, hinting at a promising future. By the age of 14, he was not only a football prodigy but also a social media sensation. His skill on the field attracted a massive following, and he quickly amassed over a million Instagram followers—a remarkable feat for someone his age.
Simons' growing fame did not go unnoticed by commercial giants, and he soon secured a contract with Nike, appearing in advertisements alongside football icons like Neymar Jr and Ronaldinho. Compilation videos of his dazzling skills flooded YouTube, further amplifying his popularity. Even elite clubs such as Chelsea began showing interest in him. Pau Moral, a close observer, recalled how Simons' popularity skyrocketed during a national under-12s tournament, drawing massive crowds.
Fast forward to today, and Xavi Simons, at 21, 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). His time on loan at RB Leipzig left a lasting impression, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Elite clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have all expressed interest in acquiring his services. Known for his versatility, Simons can operate effectively on either wing or behind the striker, making him an invaluable asset for any team.
In addition to his footballing talents, Simons speaks six languages fluently, reflecting his well-rounded and cosmopolitan upbringing. His immediate goal is to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, having been a part of the national setup since he was 15.
Interestingly, his name is no accident; he was named after former Barcelona midfielder Xavi. Adding another layer to his football lineage, his older brother is named after the famous Colombian forward, Faustino Asprilla.
Life at La Masia and Transition to PSG
Simons' family made a crucial move to Alicante when he was three years old. It was there that his father, Regillio, who recognized Xavi's early affinity for football, began honing his skills. Offers from clubs like Elche, Cadiz, and Villarreal came pouring in, but the family ultimately chose FC Barcelona.
Life at La Masia was demanding, but Simons demonstrated exceptional talent and a commendable mentality. Pau Moral highlighted his winning attitude and extraordinary ability to motivate peers. However, despite his love for the club, Simons moved to PSG at the age of 16 after a contract disagreement with Barcelona. His mother played a significant role in this transition by advising him to learn French for better integration.
Surrounded by iconic players at PSG, Simons understood the complexities of professional football, including the importance of mental health. At 17, he made his debut for PSG but found regular game-time hard to come by. Seeking more opportunities, he transferred to PSV in 2022. His time there proved fruitful; he scored on his debut and went on to become the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie, notching up 19 goals and 9 assists.
Recognizing his growing potential, PSG exercised their option to buy him back, subsequently loaning him to RB Leipzig.
Impact at RB Leipzig and International Ambitions
Marco Rose, the coach at RB Leipzig, saw Simons as an ideal fit for his squad. During his spell there, Simons' Instagram following surged, nearing six million—testament to his global appeal.
On the international stage, he scored his first goal for the Netherlands against Iceland and now has one goal in 15 caps for the national team. Ronald Koeman, the national team coach, considers him one of the greatest Dutch talents of this generation. His skills and attitude have also been praised by former Dutch star Bolo Zenden.
Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch captain, expressed his confidence in Simons' future, noting that he has the talent and mentality to become even better. "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," van Dijk stated.
Simons himself acknowledges the challenges of his path, saying, "My path has not been the easiest one. A lot of ups and downs." He often reminds himself to take breaks and not think about football all the time, recognizing the importance of a balanced life.
With his eyes set on making a mark at Euro 2024, Simons continues to be a name that resonates in European football circles, a young star whose journey is far from over.