Unai Simón's overwhelming Yashin Trophy victory

Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Yashin Trophy with a commanding 351 points, far ahead of runner-up Raya's 223.

L'Équipe revealed the full voting breakdown for the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony held Monday in London. Unai Simón's victory in the Yashin Trophy for world's best goalkeeper was emphatic: the Athletic keeper received 351 points, with Alfredo Tapia Raya finishing second on 223 and Thibaut Courtois third with just 77.

Simón discussed his rivals in the Athletic Talks podcast, praising Raya as a modern, reliable goalkeeper and calling Courtois "the best" he has seen in 20 years. He also highlighted Kepa Arrizabalaga's clean, error-free style after their Champions League meeting. Dibu Martínez, who won the award last year when Simón finished second, placed fifth this time.

Simón shared a warm memory of Martínez from the World Cup final, saying the Argentine surprised him with his sportsmanship after the match. "I had a different image of him from things I'd seen off the pitch, but after the final he came, congratulated me, gave me a hug and said some words. It was a nice gesture."