Unai Simón says he has yet to grasp the meaning of his best goalkeeper award

“I’m not aware of the title they’ve given me,” Unai Simón said after being named the world’s best goalkeeper at the Gala del Balón de Oro in London. Back at Lezama, he rejoined his teammates to prepare for Thursday’s cup match against Prat and then the derby against Real at San Mamés.

The goalkeeper said the award may feel more real once he is home with his teammates and friends. He described the relief that followed the nerves he had been carrying, and said he wanted to thank the many people who had helped him along the way. His previously stated dream of becoming the world’s best goalkeeper with Athletic now carries particular weight.

Simón was keen not to claim the credit for himself alone. “We came very close to achieving it two years ago, but you have to understand the reality you live in, know the competition you face and focus on what the coach and your teammates think, as well as believing in yourself,” he said. He added that the goal had been achieved this year, but that the work goes on: “We’ll keep striving for more.”

In his acceptance speech, he also paid tribute to Koldo Asua, who died in 2021 and, Simón said, helped him understand Athletic in a different way. He explained that he wanted to honour him with that mention and thank him. Simón also thought of Ángel, who was unable to attend the ceremony. “It’s a shame he can’t be here so I can give him a hug. I really want to embrace him, tell him how I felt and experienced it, and above all listen to him,” he said.

Simón named De Marcos and Guruzeta among his close friends. He spoke of the experiences he has shared with Guruzeta away from football and of the message of support Guruzeta sent while dealing with an injury. “He’s a wonderful person,” Simón said. The award, in his account, recognises a journey shaped not only by his own efforts but also by the people who have supported him.