MADRID, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- While Harry Kane took the spotlight by winning the Ballon d'Or in London on Monday, Spain and Athletic Club's Unai Simon also had reason to celebrate after receiving the Yashin Trophy as the world's best goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old, who helped Spain win the World Cup, earned widespread praise not only for his achievements on the field but also for an acceptance speech emphasizing humility, gratitude and the importance of personal values.
Simon described receiving the award as a "source of great pride," acknowledging that he could "never have won without the help of many people to whom I will be eternally grateful."
Among those he thanked were his parents and brother, who he said had instilled in him the principles and values that shaped his character.
He also paid tribute to his girlfriend and childhood friends for keeping him grounded and reminding him that "many of us in this room are privileged."
Simon, who has made 69 appearances for Spain, thanked his club and national team coaches and teammates, singling out Athletic players Oscar de Marcos, Inigo Lekue and Gorka Guruzeta as "three of the most wonderful people that football has brought into my life."
One of the most personal moments of his speech came when he remembered Koldo Asua, a former Athletic staff member who died in 2021 after 13 years with the club.
Asua worked with young players, helping them maintain family ties, continue their education and develop values such as respect and humility.
"He taught me to see football in a completely different way than I had previously understood it. He showed me that football is about more than just titles, winning matches or individual accolades," Simon said.
The goalkeeper said Asua had taught him that a footballer's true legacy extended beyond sporting success.
What mattered most, he added, was "the legacy one leaves behind when it's all over: being remembered as a good person and a good teammate, regardless of the triumphs one may have achieved."
Simon also paid tribute to Athletic legend Jose Angel Iribar, widely regarded as the club's greatest goalkeeper, who remains an ambassador at the age of 83.
He credited Iribar with helping him understand the significance of representing Athletic and developing a deep attachment to the Basque club.
"I have learned to love the club's colors, its history and, above all, its fans, to whom I am eternally grateful. It is because of all of them that I am here today to receive this award, so thank you all very much," Simon concluded.
His remarks offered a reminder that, even at football's highest level, success can be measured by more than trophies and individual honors. ■
