Unai Simón is still savouring one of the most special moments of his career. The Spanish national team goalkeeper has looked back on the emotions of receiving the award that recognises him as the Best Goalkeeper in the World—an honour he had not expected and which he attributes, to a large extent, to Spain’s collective success at the World Cup.

“Things have come together throughout the season. Above all, the World Cup played a major part, along with the group and the work we have done as a national team,” he explained.

One of the most emotional moments was his speech at the awards ceremony, which he had been preparing ever since learning of his nomination. “I think it came straight from the heart. It came from within, and I was able to explain things in the way I wanted and express exactly what I wanted to say,” the international goalkeeper said. He also spoke about the affection he has received, particularly a congratulatory message from Andoni Zubizarreta, a figure he has always admired.

The goalkeeper also had words of gratitude for Luis de la Fuente, whom he considers fundamental to his journey with the national team. “He is one of the people I have the most to thank, because with his personality and his way of seeing football, he put his faith in me to be the goalkeeper,” he said. He also celebrated the coach’s award as Best Coach.

He was particularly emotional when speaking about Joan García and David Raya, his fellow goalkeepers during the World Cup. Unai recalled going through difficult moments under pressure and explained that both were crucial in helping him overcome them. “They understood what I was going through and supported me,” he said, highlighting the team spirit and camaraderie within the squad.

Despite all the success, the goalkeeper is clear that football demands that you always look ahead. “In football, you have to have the memory of a goldfish,” he reflected, convinced that difficult experiences provide lessons while positive ones reinforce the work already done.

With that mindset, Unai Simón is looking ahead to Spain’s next challenges, keeping his main objective firmly in sight: “To keep winning matches and keep lifting trophies.”