Simon claims the Yashin Trophy
Unai Simon has won the 2026 Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world's best men's goalkeeper, for the first time in his career. The Athletic Bilbao and Spain number one received the prize from Denmark's Euro-winning former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel at the London Palladium.
Chosen ahead of elite company
Simon topped a strong shortlist that included Arsenal's David Raya, widely regarded as the Premier League's best goalkeeper last season, and Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona's Joan Garcia and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez were also among the nominees, making Simon's selection a notable endorsement.
Trusted at the biggest moment
A key factor was Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente's faith in Simon, who was preferred over his talented compatriots when it mattered most. As Schmeichel noted on stage, there was 'no surprise' in the recognition given Simon's role in a trophy-laden international campaign for the world champions.
A long road to the top
Simon has been a mainstay for Athletic Bilbao, the club he came through, and gradually established himself as Spain's first-choice goalkeeper across major tournaments. The Yashin Trophy is the individual acknowledgement of a steady rise into the elite tier of his position.
Spain's clean sweep in goal
The goalkeeping awards stayed entirely in Spanish hands: Barcelona's Cata Coll won the women's Yashin Trophy on the same night. It was part of a broader Spanish and Barcelona surge that also delivered the women's Ballon d'Or, both Kopa Trophies and both coaching awards.
About the Yashin Trophy
The Yashin Trophy, named after the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or itself, has recognised the world's best men's goalkeeper since 2019. Previous winners include Alisson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Thibaut Courtois and Emiliano Martinez, placing Simon among a distinguished group of modern number ones.
The bottom line
Unai Simon's first Yashin Trophy rewards consistency and big-game reliability for club and country. On a night when Spain dominated, the goalkeeper's recognition was one of the least surprising but most deserved results of the ceremony.
Related on Skillo
See also: Ballon d'Or 2026 live: Harry Kane wins in London, Ballon d'Or 2026: the full winners list.
Sources
- Ballon d'Or official winners (ballondor.com)
- 2026 Ballon d'Or - Wikipedia (full rankings)
- Ballon d'Or 2026 live updates: Kane, Putellas headline winners (NBC Sports)
Published date reflects the original event date (2026-10-26). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.
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