Xavi Simons opens up about recovery: 'I cried'

Simons opened up about his ACL recovery at Oxford University, revealing emotional struggles during six months sidelined at Spurs and missing the World Cup with Netherlands.

Xavi Simons spoke candidly at Oxford Union about his recovery from a severe knee injury sustained on 25 April in Tottenham's Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 23-year-old midfielder has been out for six months and was forced to watch the remainder of the season from his hospital bed.

Simons described difficult nights during rehabilitation, admitting he cried and felt helpless and frustrated—struggles his own family was unaware of. Missing the World Cup with the Netherlands weighed heavily; he had hoped to make a significant contribution to the squad after his first World Cup appearance in 2022 at age 19.

Despite the setback, Simons is attempting to stay positive, saying he is grateful for what the injury has taught him about life and people. He has begun taking first steps on the training pitch and, according to The Standard, is expected to resume full training soon—a faster return than initially anticipated.