Unai Simón
Spain's tournament goalkeeper — a calm, commanding shot-stopper with a big-game record in shootouts and finals, and the composure to start his team's build-up from deep.
Playing Style Summary
Unai Simón is a tall, composed goalkeeper whose game is built on set positioning, clean handling and a strong temperament under pressure. He is a reliable shot-stopper with a proven record against penalties, and he is comfortable as the first link in a possession side's build-up. For Spain he has been the starting goalkeeper across a Nations League, a European Championship and a World Cup title, which says as much about his mentality as his technique.
Defining Traits
Penalty Specialist
Simón reads takers well and holds his ground until the last moment. His two saves in the 2023 Nations League final shootout against Croatia are the clearest example of a skill he has shown repeatedly for club and country.
Set Positioning
At around 1.90m he covers his goal through good starting positions rather than spectacular reactions — square to the ball, set before the shot, and rarely caught moving as it is struck.
Calm Build-Up Link
He accepts the ball under pressure from his centre-backs and plays short to split the first line of the press, which is why he fits Spain's possession game so naturally.
Big-Game Temperament
Simón has a habit of recovering from setbacks and producing in finals — the kind of mental resilience coaches look for in a tournament goalkeeper.
Strengths
- Proven penalty-saving record, including in a major final shootout
- Strong set positioning and clean handling on shots from distance
- Comfort receiving under pressure and playing short in build-up
- Mental resilience — consistently produces in high-stakes matches
- Commanding presence and organisation of the back line
Limitations
- Willingness to play out under pressure carries risk — a mishandled back-pass led to an own goal against Croatia at EURO 2020
- Long-range distribution is functional rather than a genuine attacking weapon
- Missed the early part of 2024-25 after wrist surgery following EURO 2024
More Spain players
See the full squad →David Raya
“The modern sweeper-keeper — a three-time Golden Glove winner whose distribution and starting positions are as important to Arsenal as his saves.”
Joan Garcia
“Barcelona's number one — an elite shot-stopper turned sweeper behind Europe's highest defensive line, and the Zamora winner in his first season at the club.”
Marcos Llorente
“Simeone's most versatile weapon — a former holding midfielder turned right-back whose pace, stamina and line-breaking runs make him a transition threat from anywhere on the right.”
Pedro Porro
“An attacking right-back with a playmaker's range — dangerous with set pieces and crosses, comfortable inverting into midfield, and the provider of Spain's World Cup-winning goal.”
Marc Pubill
“A 1.90m hybrid defender who moves between right-back and centre-back without changing his game — physical in duels, aggressive in the air and comfortable defending space behind him.”
Pau Cubarsí
“The teenage centre-back who builds attacks like a midfielder — line-breaking passes from deep and a calm command of Barcelona's high defensive line.”
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