Xavi Simons: The Rising Star of Dutch Football

Xavi Simons is one of the most exciting players in world football. His playing style makes him one of the most entertaining attacking midfielders in the world. Simons has played with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Benjamin Sesko and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Simons’ career is a tale of passion, electric football and belief in one’s talent. With his name beginning to resound all around the globe, Xavi Simons is etching his name into football history. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we explore the career and adventures of Xavi Quentin Shay  Simons.

Player Profile – Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons, born on April 21, 2003, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a highly regarded Dutch midfielder currently playing for RB Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

His football journey began at the age of seven when he joined the FC Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, where he developed his skills and garnered attention for his technical prowess, vision, and versatility in midfield.

In July 2019, seeking new challenges, Simons made a high-profile move to PSG, where he signed his first professional contract and continued his development, eventually making his senior debut.

To gain more first-team experience, he was loaned to RB Leipzig for the 2023-2024 season, a critical step in his growth. He is known for his dribbling skills, quick decision-making, and ability to control the game’s tempo.

Xavi Simons has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Despite being in the early stages of his professional career, his journey through prestigious youth academies and top clubs underscores his potential and dedication, marking him as a future star in European football.

Player Profile Overview

Xavi Simons’ Early Life and Background

Xavi Quentin Shay Simons was born on April 21, 2003, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He grew up with his parents, Peggy and Regillio Simons. While his mother is of Dutch descent, his father has Surinamese heritage.

From a young age, Xavi was introduced to football, influenced by his parents’ passion for the sport. Given his family’s deep connection to football, it was almost inevitable that Xavi would pursue a career in the game.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Simons was named after the current Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, due to his father’s great admiration for the former Barcelona midfielder.

This naming decision underscores the lasting impact Hernandez’s legacy has had on Simons’ father, reflecting the deep respect and significance of Hernandez‘s career.

Xavi Simons’ Club Career Highlights

Xavi Simon started his youth career in Spain playing for his local sides. From 2008 to 2010, Xavi played for CD Thader of Alicante before leaving to join Barcelona’s youth side.

Rise Through La Masia: The Dream Begins

In pursuit of excellence, Xavi Simons joined Barcelona’s illustrious La Masia academy, a crucible for nurturing world-class footballers. This move marked a pivotal chapter in his burgeoning career.

Under the tutelage of renowned coaches and alongside prodigious peers, he refined his craft, embracing the philosophy of ‘tiki-taka’ that Barcelona espouses. He played with Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moriba during his time at La Masia.

However, in a shock move, the talented Dutchman left La Masia for Paris Saint-Germain as there were no guarantees at Barca that he will make his debut before 18.

The Move to Paris Saint-Germain

In July 2019, Xavi Simons moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Barcelona after failing to agree on a new contract. His three-year deal with PSG was reportedly worth up to €1 million annually.

Simons made his professional debut for PSG on 10 February 2021 in a 1–0 Coupe de France win over Caen, coming on as a substitute for Julian Draxler. He made his Ligue 1 debut two months later in a 4–1 win over Strasbourg. On 19 May 2021, he won his first professional trophy, the Coupe de France.

In preparation for the 2021–22 season, Xavi Simons was included in the first-team training by PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino. He scored in two pre-season friendlies against Le Mans and Chambly.

However, on 18 August, he was sent back to train with the under-19 squad. Xavi Simons made his first professional start in a 3–0 cup win over Feignies Aulnoye on 19 December. He recorded his first senior assist on 3 January 2022, setting up a goal for Kylian Mbappé in a 4–0 cup win over Vannes.

His first league appearance came on 9 January in a 1–1 draw against Lyon. Simons missed a crucial penalty in a 6–5 shoot-out defeat to Nice in the Coupe de France on 31 January.

Xavi made his first league start on 11 February in a 1–0 win over Rennes. Simons ended the season with his first professional league title as PSG won Ligue 1.

Xavi Simons’ Loan Stint with PSV Eindhoven

On June 28, 2022, Simons signed a five-year contract with Eredivisie club PSV. Initially, he was expected to extend his contract with PSG and join PSV on loan, but PSV opted against a loan arrangement. Despite this, PSG secured a €6 million buy-back clause in his contract, effective from 2023.

Xavi Simons had a remarkable debut season with PSV. He scored his first career goal in a 5–3 victory over Ajax during the Johan Cruyff Shield on July 30, 2022. In his first Eredivisie match on August 7, he assisted Johan Bakayoko in a 4–1 win against Emmen.

Xavi Simons debuted in European competition during the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and netted his first European goal in a 5–1 UEFA Europa League win against Zürich on October 6. Simons played a pivotal role in PSV’s 2023 KNVB Cup final triumph over Ajax by assisting Thorgan Hazard‘s goal, leading to a victory on penalties.

On May 28, 2023, he scored twice in the final Eredivisie match of the season, including a stoppage-time winner, securing a 2–1 win over AZ and second place for PSV, earning them a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

Simons shared the Eredivisie top scorer award with nineteen goals alongside Anastasios Douvikas of Utrecht. He concluded the season with twenty-two goals and twelve assists across forty-eight matches in all competitions.

He earned two Player of the Month awards in August 2022 and March 2023 for his performances. On July 16, 2023, PSV announced Simons had left their training camp to finalize his transfer back to Paris Saint-Germain.

Joining RB Leipzig on Loan

On 19 July 2023, Xavi Simons rejoined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) by signing a four-year contract after PSG activated a €6 million buy-back clause in his PSV contract. Despite this move, Simons was immediately loaned to RB Leipzig for the 2023–24 season, where he was assigned the number 20 jersey.

Simons made a notable debut on 12 August 2023, helping RB Leipzig to a 3–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 2023 DFL-Supercup. He scored his first Bundesliga goal on 25 August in a 5–1 win against VfB Stuttgart, where he also provided two assists.

Xavi Simons scored his first Champions League goal and was named player of the match in a 3–1 win over Red Star Belgrade. At 20 years and 187 days old, he became the youngest Dutch player to both score and assist in a Champions League match since Arjen Robben in 2003.

Simons continued his impressive form by scoring the opening goal in a 2–1 win against Red Star Belgrade on 7 November, ensuring RB Leipzig’s progression to the Champions League round of 16.

By the end of the season, Simons had scored eight goals and provided eleven assists in thirty-two Bundesliga matches.

His performances contributed to RB Leipzig’s fourth-place finish and tied for the second-most assists in the Bundesliga season. Upon the conclusion of the season, he will return to his parent club PSG.

International Career: Representing the Netherlands

Simons has played for the Netherlands at various youth levels, including under-15, under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-21. On 21 October 2022, he was included in the preliminary squad for the senior Netherlands national team.

He was officially called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar by head coach Louis van Gaal. As the youngest player in the squad, his inclusion was somewhat surprising.

Xavi Simons made his World Cup debut on 3 December in a 3-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16, becoming the youngest Dutch player to feature in the knockout stages of the World Cup. The Netherlands were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Argentina.

Simons has performed admirably since signing for RB Leipzig which almost guarantees him a place in the Dutch national team going to Germany for the EURO 2024 competition. He is set to play alongside Jeremie Frimpong, Frenkie de Jong and Virgil van Dijk.

Xavi Simon’s Playing Style

Xavi Simons is a versatile player known for his past success as a free-roaming playmaker. This season at PSV, he has also excelled as a winger and false 9. His technical skill, high energy, and explosive play style make him a challenging opponent to defend against.

Simons excels at dribbling and taking on players, explosive pace, quick direction changes, and excellent ball shielding, which help him escape defenders and retain possession. His flair and unpredictability make him a threat in one-on-one situations.

Influence and Inspiration

Throughout his journey, Xavi has drawn inspiration from footballing greats. Icons like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández served as role models, their playing styles influencing his development.

Simons studied their movements and followed their approach to the game, he integrated these lessons into his own play. Learning from the best has been a cornerstone of his ascent in the footballing world.

The Personal Life of Xavi Simon

At 13, Simons secured his first advertising contract with Nike, switched to Adidas in 2021, and joined Puma in 2023. In August 2018, he appeared in Nike’s “Awaken the Phantom” commercial with notable players.

The commercial featured the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Andrea Pirlo. By 2019, at age 16, he had over two million Instagram followers.

Xavi Simons maintains a busy lifestyle, indulging in other sports such as tennis and swimming. His social media presence also highlights his involvement in modelling, often featuring him in stylish attire for top brands like Puma.

In 2020, Xavi Simons was recognized as one of the top young football talents by Goal’s “NxGn 2020” and The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” along with the likes of Haaland, Foden and Vini Jr.

Conclusion

Xavi Simons’ journey is a tapestry of dreams, challenges, and triumphs. Reflecting on his path so far, it is evident that his future is as bright as his past is illustrious.

As he continues to carve his name in the annals of football, the world watches with bated breath. His story is far from over, and the chapters yet to be written promise a narrative of excellence, inspiration, and unending passion for the beautiful game.