Anatomy of an exemplary speech: "Unai Simón reached the audience with simple, close and honest words, he knew how to convey"

Unai Simón's Ballon d'Or acceptance speech praised by communication experts for its simplicity, authenticity and emotional resonance.

Unai Simón, named world's best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or gala, delivered a two-minute-20-second acceptance speech that captivated audiences and impressed public speaking specialists.

Sonia Jávaga, a communication and oratory coach, analysed the speech and identified three key strengths: Simón remained authentically himself, spoke with natural ease, and communicated from the heart. Rather than relying on elaborate language, he connected with the audience through simple, honest words. Jávaga noted that "to connect with the public, you don't need grand words or extraordinary phrases. You need to have something to say and know how to convey it."

The goalkeeper balanced personal recognition with gratitude to others—his teammates, his inner circle, and his partner, whom he described as an "oasis of tranquility." He combined specific names with acknowledgment of groups, explaining what each has contributed to his life. His calm tone, smile and eye contact across the audience reinforced the sense of closeness. While Jávaga suggested he could improve by using hand gestures and varying his vocal emphasis, she emphasised that the essential connection was already there.