Ballon d’Or 2026: Unai Simón named best goalkeeper of the year

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón has won the 2026 Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper received the distinction on Monday, October 26, during the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in London.

World champion with Spain in 2026, Unai Simón had already been nominated for the award in 2024, the year he stood out during the European title won by the Spanish national team. He finished ahead of compatriots David Raya (Arsenal) and Joan García (Barcelona), as well as Courtois (Real Madrid) and Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea).

The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper received this prestigious distinction during the ceremony, a few months after Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup. The award caps a year marked by the Spanish national team’s world title.

Cata Coll was named the best goalkeeper of the year, earning FC Barcelona another award. The Spanish goalkeeper thus follows the evening’s first winners in Barcelona’s haul, after Lamine Yamal, Vicky Lopez and Pere Romeu.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: Unai Simon makes history with Spain

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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