Chance creation
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Athletic Club · Copa del Rey · Goalkeeper · #23 · Spain · 28 yrs
Unai Simón plays as a goalkeeper for Athletic Club. Unai Simón is a Spanish international, 28 years old, goalkeeper, currently at Athletic Club. Unai Simón wears shirt number 23 for Athletic Club. Unai Simón was born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain on 1997-06-11. Unai Simón is 190 cm tall and weighs 88 kg. Unai Simón's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Copa del Rey, Emirates Cup, UEFA Nations League, Friendlies, and other leagues. Unai Simón's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Unai Simón season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Season | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 |  Spain ESP |
| 2025 |  Athletic Club BIL |
| 2024 | Athletic Club BIL |
| 2024 | Spain ESP |
| 2023 | Athletic Club BIL |
Season intelligence
Profile as Goalkeeper: balanced output without a single dominant trait. Archetype: Modern goalkeeper.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
Despite becoming a 2026 World Cup winner, Lamine Yamal has received a lot of criticism for his performances. In response, Robert Lewandowski has explained the reasons behind the inconsistent performances of the 19-year-old prodigy. After establishing as one of Barcelona’s best players, Lamine Yamal seemed to arrive at the 2026 World Cup ready to compete to be the tournament’s top scorer. While he shined collectively, he did not have his best tournament in front of goal. In response, Robert Lewandowski explained the reason behind the inconsistent performances of the 19-year-old star, highlighting a key aspect that has not been taken into account. “Honestly, no, we didn’t [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, wasn’t the last season, but two seasons ago… He came to the World Cup after injury and he didn’t play for like eight weeks so it’s tough if you don’t play eight weeks and you have to start playing in the World Cup, then you don’t have time for the training just from game to game,” Lewandowski said, via ESPN. After suffering a muscle tear, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup far from fully fit. In fact, head coach Luis de la Fuente did not use him in the opening match, as he missed the game against Cape Verde. As the tournament progressed, he gradually regained his fluency in play. However, he was unable to impose his goalscoring ability. Robert Lewandowski’s words are not a direct criticism of Lamine. Instead, the veteran striker points to the lack of continuity after the injury as the main cause. Amid the criticism, the 19-year-old star remained irreplaceable at the 2026 World Cup, playing a key role in the team’s collective play. In addition, teammates such as Unai Simón and Rodri Hernández praised his work on the field. Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring a goal. Lamine Yamal’s impact goes beyond the scoring side Throughout his career, Lamine Yamal has surprised the soccer world with his goalscoring ability. As a fast, skillful winger, he has been the centerpiece of Barcelona over the last two seasons. By failing to translate that impact to Spain, he is being heavily criticized by the fans. However, the 19-year-old star has shown that his impact goes far beyond the goalscoring aspect. As the team’s most decisive player on the ball, both Spain and Barcelona build their play around him. Therefore, he often attracts defenders and creates space for his teammates. In addition, he has excelled in the creative aspect, delivering key passes that allow his teammates to shine. Whether he scores or not, he always contributes collectively, making him the most dangerous player with or without the ball. At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal still has many things to improve in his professional career. Not only will enhancing his goalscoring ability be key, but also managing his runs to preserve his physical condition. As a key player for both Spain and Barcelona, he is expected to be the focal point of UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, silencing the critics of his performances at the international level.
Despite arriving as top contenders, Argentina were defeated by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. After several hours of silence, Emiliano Martínez decided to say a few words to the fans, casting doubt over his future with La Albiceleste. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Argentina established as one of the best national teams, due to their attacking brilliance. After coming from behind against England, they entered the final as one of the top contenders, but were defeated by Spain. Following this, several stars have already broken their silence by addressing the fans. Emiliano Martínez has been the latest to do so, casting doubt over his future with the Albiceleste. “I dreamed that we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. The truth is, the pain is difficult to explain. Now it’s time to reflect on many things and see how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I really gave everything I had to help my country and my teammates,” Emiliano Martinez said on his Instagram profile. Despite Emiliano Martínez remaining one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has decided to reflect on his future. Already 33 years old, he would be 37 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, possibly no longer at his best. Coming off a heroic performance in the current tournament, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste does not seem to make much sense, as he is still superior to the backup options available. Emiliano Martínez was Argentina’s best player at the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of Spain‘s attacking onslaught, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was the player who touched the ball the most and completed the most passes for his national team. In addition, he kept the team alive for 106 minutes, making numerous saves. Therefore, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste would be a major blow. Nico Williams #17 of Spain heads the ball saved by Emiliano Martinez #23 of Argentina. Emiliano Martínez eclipsed Unai Simon at the 2026 World Cup At the end of the 2026 World Cup final, Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award in recognition of his outstanding performances. Having conceded just one goal, he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, allowing him to break an all-time tournament record. However, the fans do not seem to agree with FIFA’s award, as Emiliano Martínez had a better performance throughout the tournament. According to Opta Analyst on its website, Emiliano made 20 saves throughout the World Cup, facing more chances than Unai Simón, who made only nine saves during the tournament. In addition, Argentina faced major defensive problems, while Spain had one of the best defenses in the tournament. With this significant difference, the 33-year-old star was considered the clear deserving winner of the Golden Glove award. Who could replace Emiliano Martinez in Argentina’s future? Throughout the last few years, head coach Lionel Scaloni has had Emiliano Martínez as his undisputed starter. In the middle of his possible retirement, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli emerge as the clear options in the short term for the 2028 Copa América. However, both are over 31 years old, making them unlikely for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, Argentina set their sights on a promising goalkeeper. Santiago Beltrán emerges as Argentina’s biggest prospect for the future. At just 21 years old, he is already River Plate’s starting goalkeeper, delivering solid performances. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni already called him up for two friendlies: vs. Honduras and vs. Iceland before the 2026 World Cup. If he continues his progress, he could be the great hope to be the starter in the 2030 edition, where they will look to win the title again.
Having won the World Cup Golden Glove following Spain's final win, Unai Simon praised La Roja for overcoming other teams' star power. The post Simon: Spain did not need a star like Messi, Mbappe or Ronaldo to win World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.
Following Spain's win over Argentina in the World Cup final, Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and Unai Simon were recognised in the tournament's awards. The post Spain dominate World Cup awards as Rodri, Cubarsi and Simon join Mbappe among prizewinners appeared first on SoccerNews.
Rodri looks back to his imperious best in Spain’s midfield while Enzo Fernández has a day to forget for ArgentinaUnai Simón Was alert to clear danger after Cubarsí’s early mistake. Otherwise could have brought his slippers. 7 Continue reading...
The list of Golden Glove winner is short, but the goalkeepers in it had great performances. Every player on a team is important for success at the highest level of competition, but goalkeepers didn’t get recognized with a positional award until 1994 with the prize that is now called the Golden Glove. In its origin the trophy was named the Lev Yashin Award that determined who was the best goalkeeper of the competition. The name logically referred to the Soviet former player who remains the best ever at the position for many people. This was changed for the 2010 edition, when the award was renamed the Golden Glove. Being relatively new compared to the history of the competition, there have only been eight winners of the prized award, with four of them also becoming champions. The winner is chosen by FIFA’s Technical Study Group. Every Golden Glove winner World CupGolden Glove winnerTeamClean sheetsTeam’s finish1994Michel Preud’hommeBelgium2Round of 161998Fabien BarthezFrance5Champions2002Oliver Kahn*Germany5Runners-up2006Gianluigi BuffonItaly5Champions2010Iker CasillasSpain5Champions2014Manuel NeuerGermany4Champions2018Thibaut CourtoisBelgium3Third place2022Emiliano MartínezArgentina3Champions2026Unai SimónSpain7Champions*Also won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in 2002.
In a match they completely dominated, Spain defeated Argentina to be crowned the 2026 World Cup champions. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, bringing the game—which they completely dominated—full circle. Spain face Argentina in what promises to be a historic 2026 World Cup final. Not only is it the meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, but it also features the two teams playing the best soccer style in the tournament. While Luis de la Fuente’s team stands out in midfield and defense, Lionel Scaloni’s team excels in attack, having plenty of weapons to shine. With this in mind, the match is expected to be highly competitive. Amid their defensive problems, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to build a very impressive team. To do so, the midfield has been essential, applying constant pressure throughout the game, suffocating their opponents and preventing dangerous counterattacks. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, as he has been the most influential player of the entire 2026 World Cup and could shine in the goalscoring department. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built the most consistent team in the tournament. Unlike the others, Spain have been built from the back forward, basing their structure around Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, and Pau Cubarsí. In addition, Marc Cucurella has emerged as an essential part of the team, excelling with his runs down the flank. However, Lamine Yamal is the one carrying the pressure on his shoulders, as expectations are on him to lead Spain to victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides. Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides. While Portugal’s journey ended earlier than hoped and Kylian Mbappe’s France fell short against Spain, one remarkable statistic has emerged that shows Ronaldo still managed to leave a historic mark against one of the tournament’s strongest defenses. Spain’s incredible defensive record has become one of the biggest stories of the competition, but a deeper look into the numbers reveals a unique achievement involving the 41-year-old veteran. As La Roja continues its pursuit of another World Cup glory, one question remains: how did the legendary Portuguese forward accomplish something that even Mbappe, one of the world’s most dangerous attackers, could not? Spain’s defensive wall becomes one of 2026 World Cup’s stories Spain entered the 2026 World Cup knockout stages with a reputation for defensive perfection, and that reputation only grew as the tournament progressed. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in seven matches, recorded six clean sheets, and built one of the most impressive defensive campaigns ever seen at a World Cup. The European champion relied on a combination of possession control, aggressive pressing, and disciplined defensive positioning to limit opponents. With Unai Simon commanding the goal, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi protecting the center, and Rodri controlling the midfield, Spain rarely allowed opponents to create clear opportunities. Spain players pose for a team photograph Their defensive approach was based on suffocating opponents immediately after losing possession. The team’s high defensive line, supported by Simón’s ability to act as a sweeper goalkeeper, prevented attackers from finding space behind the backline. Spain’s numbers reflected their dominance. The team faced the fewest shots in the tournament, allowed the lowest expected goals against figure, and kept opponents away from dangerous areas of the pitch. Their ability to control games through possession also reduced the number of attacking situations their opponents could create. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal exit cannot erase incredible Spain statistic Despite Spain’s incredible defensive record, one player managed to find a way through their structure. According to OptaAnalyst data, Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for both of the only first-half shots on target Spain faced throughout the entire 2026 World Cup. The statistic became another reminder of Ronaldo’s longevity and ability to remain dangerous on soccer’s biggest stage. During Portugal’s Round of 16 meeting with Spain, Ronaldo was the only Portuguese player to seriously test Unai Simón before halftime. Spain have faced just two shots on target in the first half of games at this World Cup.Both have come courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/2yj0SQadGk— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 6, 2026 Although La Roja eventually won the match 1-0, Ronaldo’s effort highlighted his continued importance for the Selecao. The veteran forward repeatedly searched for opportunities against a defense that had neutralized some of the world’s best attackers. At an age when most players have already retired from international soccer, Ronaldo continued to challenge elite opponents and produce moments that caught global attention. His presence forced Spain’s defenders to remain alert throughout the match. Spain’s historic defense stopped soccer’s biggest stars Spain’s defensive success was especially impressive because of the quality of attackers they faced. The team managed to contain several world-class forwards, including France superstar Kylian Mbappe, i
After a great performance in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Pau Cubarsí commented on the criticism that Spain received before the competition. The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup is Spain after a 2-0 victory over France. In this competition, they have been a solid team based on a great defensive system that has only conceded one goal, something Pau Cubarsí admitted was doubted. Cubarsí said: “There may have been some doubts about whether our defense and goalkeeper were good enough, but I think we’ve silenced a lot of critics. We’ve only conceded one goal and we’re in the final. We’re doing an incredible job, and this is everyone’s work, both those who play and those on the bench.” This was the only part of the team that was criticized before the tournament, with Unai Simón leading the defense of Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, who have all been fantastic and have only conceded against Belgium. Cubarsí on being a young player Being a player who represents Barcelona requires a lot of talent. However, it is not just about that because the mental aspect of the sport is crucial. Especially for a player in his position, experience plays a great role. Cubarsí and Porro make a great pairing on the right for Spain (David Ramos/Getty Images) All of this may not apply to the center back because he does not look like a 19-year-old player with the composure he displays in every match, something Cubarsí also commented on regarding his teammate. Cubarsí said: “Maybe I am too young for everything I am experiencing, like Lamine (Yamal), but I want to tell people who perhaps have not taken that step yet and are 19 years old to wait that their opportunity will come. Soccer is something you have to enjoy, and if there is sacrifice, everything will turn out well. I encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams.” Cubarsí thanked his family after the match The calmness with which the team played against France was part of the victory that put them in the final. For Cubarsí, much of the credit should go to his family for helping him from the beginning. Cubarsí said: “It’s a dream come true, and I’m very proud, both for myself and for my family, who have been with me every step of the way. Being in a World Cup final is something unique, and I owe all of this to them because they’ve helped me from the very beginning to get here.”
While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy. Spain and Belgium meet in one of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup, with a semifinal place hanging in the balance. While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy. Stay with us to discover how every possible outcome could influence the tournament bracket and determine who takes the next step toward World Cup glory. Spain enters the quarterfinal after an impressive run that has strengthened its reputation as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives with renewed confidence after convincingly eliminating the United States and hopes to continue its resurgence against the reigning European champion. Spain and Belgium arrive with contrasting journeys La Roja topped Group H with seven points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay while drawing with Cape Verde before cruising past Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds. Luis de la Fuente’s side has become one of the tournament’s standout performers thanks to its disciplined defensive structure and patient possession-based approach. Belgium’s route has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils finished first in Group G with five points, beating New Zealand and drawing with Egypt and Iran before surviving Senegal in extra time and producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-host USA in the Round of 16. DateSpain’s OpponentStageResultJune 15, 2026Cabo VerdeGroup StageDraw (0–0)June 21, 2026Saudi ArabiaGroup StageWin (4–0)June 26, 2026UruguayGroup StageWin (1–0)July 2, 2026AustriaRound of 32Win (3–0)July 6, 2026PortugalRound of 16Win (1–0) The European champion also arrives carrying remarkable momentum. Spain has not conceded a goal throughout the tournament and became the first national team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also extended his scoreless streak beyond 600 minutes in the competition. Belgium, however, has shown steady improvement after an inconsistent group stage. Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois continue to provide leadership, while younger players such as Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard have added another dimension to the attack. DateBelgium’s OpponentStageResultJune 15, 2026EgyptGroup StageDraw (1–1)June 21, 2026IranGroup StageDraw (0–0)June 26, 2026New ZealandGroup StageWin (5–1)July 1, 2026SenegalRound of 32Win (3–2 AET)July 6, 2026United StatesRound of 16Win (4–1) What happens if Spain wins and Belgium loses? A Spanish victory would send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where France already awaits after the French defeated Morocco 2-0. Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain celebrates after a goal scored by Pedro Porro #12 celebrates. Spain would continue its unbeaten tournament, extend its historic defensive run, and move within one victory of reaching its first World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010. Belgium, meanwhile, would see its tournament come to an end despite its late resurgence. The victory would also reinforce Spain’s status as one of the leading favorites to capture a second World Cup title under Luis de la Fuente. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? A draw at the end of regulation would not decide the bracket. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time. Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain. Should the teams remain level after 120 minutes, the semifinal spot would be decided through a penalty shootout. Only then would one team officially secure its place against France while the other would be eliminated. Unlike the group stage, there is no possibility of both teams advancing or sharing points once the knockout rounds begin. What happens if Belgium wins and Spain loses? A Belgian victory would produce one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Red Devils would advance t
The Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón has not conceded a goal at the World Cup and, worryingly for Belgium, he has not had to face that many shots“We’re the villains, there to stop the goals that football lives off,” Unai Simón says. If so, there has never been a bad guy as bad as him, the keeper who could do with an introduction from Don LaFontaine: In a World Cup dominated by forwards, one man resists … There were five minutes to go until half-time during Spain’s battle with Portugal in the last 16 when something historic happened, or there would have been if anything had actually happened. Instead, nothing did, which is the way Simón likes it.As the clock rolled into the 40th minute, Spain’s goalkeeper silently moved on to 560 World Cup minutes without conceding, taking in seven games and going all the way back to Ao Tanaka’s strike for Japan in Qatar. Against Austria in the last 32, he had already left Walter Zenga behind on 517, now he and Spain overtook Switzerland’s record: 559 minutes spread across 14 years and three tournaments in 1994, 2006 and 2010. The next minute, Nuno Mendes hit the bar, but still Simón would not be beaten, Mikel Merino’s 90th minute winner the only goal of the game. Continue reading...
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