Unai Simón wins Ballon d'Or as world's best goalkeeper

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Ballon d'Or award for best goalkeeper at the ceremony in London.

Unai Simón has been named the world's best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or gala in London, receiving the award from Peter Schmeichel. The Athletic Bilbao keeper delivered an emotional acceptance speech in which he thanked his parents, brother, girlfriend, childhood friends, and coaches including Luis Enrique and Valverde. He also acknowledged his Spain teammates David Raya and Joan García, calling the recent summer "one of the happiest of our lives."

Simón paid tribute to Athletic Bilbao legends Lekue, De Marcos, and Guruzeta, as well as the late Koldo Asua, who taught him the importance of legacy. He expressed his deep gratitude to Athletic, saying the club "has given me everything" and that he has learned to love the colours through the club's presidents. He concluded by thanking the supporters.

When asked about the pressure goalkeepers face, Simón reflected: "We are under a pressure that other positions don't have. We've learned it from childhood. We've grown up with error and responsibility between the posts. I'm very proud of this award."