Unai Simón favourite to win world's best goalkeeper award

The Athletic goalkeeper is the favourite to win the Yashin Trophy for world's best goalkeeper at tonight's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.

Unai Simón is among the favourites to win the Yashin Trophy for world's best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or gala in London tonight. The Athletic shot-stopper finished second last year behind Emiliano Martínez, but his World Cup triumph with Spain has strengthened his case significantly. Simón was named the tournament's Golden Glove winner and set a World Cup record with 650 minutes without conceding a goal, surpassing Walter Zenga's previous mark of 517 minutes from Italy 1990.

Simón will compete against nine other nominees including Courtois, Bounou, Kobel, Mendy, Safonov and Martínez again. His performances at the World Cup and a standout display against Croatia in the Nations League have settled the debate over Spain's number one position, with manager Luis de la Fuente backing his recognition. Simón is travelling to London accompanied by his family and Athletic representatives, including club president Jon Uriarte.