Xavi
Simons
Netherlands
·
Soccer
Date of birth | 21 April 2003 |
|---|---|
Age | 23 |
Nationality | Netherlands |
Career start | 2019 |
Disciplines | Soccer (standard) |
You've likely heard of Xavi Simons if you're a football fan. He's one of the most followed players on the planet, who, from a young age, has shown an incredible talent for the sport.
The son of a former pro player, at the age of seven Xavi moved from his home in the Netherlands to attend Barcelona's fabled youth academy, La Masia. There, for nine years he developed alongside three of Spain's best young pros, Alejandro Balde, Fermín López and Marc Casadó.
U19 hero
In 2019, despite excellent performances with the La Masia teams, Xavi moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he immediately slotted in to the French giant's U-19 team. He went on to make his pro debut in 2021, as part of the Ligue 1-winning senior team. 2022 brought a return to his home country, playing a single season for PSV Eindhoven. There, he became one of the best players in Europe at 19 years old, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists as PSV won the KNVB Cup, Johan Cruyff Shield and Xavi became the Eredivisie's top scorer.
PSG activated a buy-back clause in Xavi's contract ahead of the 2023-24 season and sent him out on loan to Bundesliga powerhouses RB Leipzig. There, he quickly earned the number 10 jersey and immediately began to establish himself as one of the team's most important and creative players in both the domestic league and Champions League - so much so that the German team loaned him again for the 2024/25 season, before making the transfer permanent in that season's January transfer window.
A star on the rise
However, his stay in Leipzig wasn't destined to last much longer, with Xavi's star now firmly on the rise. News of his potential availability triggered a bidding war between two of the English Premier League's biggest clubs, with London-based teams Chelsea and Tottenham both vying for his signature. It was Spurs who eventually convinced Xavi of their project, with the Dutchman joining at the end of the summer transfer window.
On the international stage, Xavi has also established himself as one of the key players for the Netherlands national team. After making his debut in 3-1 win over the United States during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he's since become a fixture in the coach's team selections, starting all matches except one during Euro 2024 and scoring Netherlands only goal during their 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals.
Season-ending injury
Xavi tore his ACL in April 2026 playing for Tottenham against Wolverhampton Wanderers, bringing his season to an end as well as hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We look forward to welcoming him back in 2027.
Xavi Simons shines for RB Leipzig at Braganca in 2025
© Thomas Eisenhuth / Red Bull Content Pool
Xavi Simons
© RB Leipzig
This is Xavi Simons calling…
© Motivio/RB Leipzig
Xavi Simons and Neymar Jr unite after RB Leipzig v FC Santos clash
© Thomas Eisenhuth / Red Bull Content Pool