Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Unai Simón wins 2026 men's goalkeeper of the year award
Unai Simón won the 2026 men's goalkeeper of the year award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.
The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper also plays for Spain's men's national team.
He beat nine other nominees, including Paris Saint-Germain's Matvey Safonov, who had been backed for the award by former Netherlands player Wesley Sneijder.
Simón's award followed Spain's 2026 World Cup win, where he conceded one goal in eight matches and was named the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Safonov had helped PSG win four trophies in the previous season, including the Champions League.
The award recognises the year's leading goalkeeper, and Simón's World Cup record was a key part of his season.
Unai Simón won the 2026 men’s goalkeeper of the year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The Athletic and Spain goalkeeper beat nine other nominees, including Matvey Safonov.
Simón was part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning team, conceding one goal in eight matches.
He was also named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Wesley Sneijder had said before the ceremony that Safonov should win the award.
- Who
- Unai Simón, goalkeeper for Athletic and Spain.
- What
- He won the 2026 men’s goalkeeper of the year award.
- When
- 26 October 2026.
- Where
- At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
- Why
- Not stated
Unai Simón, the award winner
Wesley Sneijder, who backed Matvey Safonov
Award outcome
Unai Simón, the award winner
Simón won the 2026 men’s goalkeeper of the year award.
Wesley Sneijder, who backed Matvey Safonov
Sneijder said Safonov should win the award.
Wesley Sneijder said Matvey Safonov should win the award.
Unai Simón won the award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
- Award winner
- Unai Simón
- Award year
- 2026
- Ceremony location
- London
- World Cup record
- Spain conceded one goal in eight matches with Simón in goal
- Other finalist
- Matvey Safonov
3 sources
What people are saying
Safonov should win the title of the world's best goalkeeper, I think.