The 2026 World Cup concluded this Sunday with Spain’s victory over Argentina in extra time during the final (1–0, goal by Ferran Torres). Following the match, FIFA presented the individual awards, including the prize for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, which went to Unai Simón—the 29-year-old shot-stopper for Athletic Bilbao and La Roja.
There were other contenders who produced exceptional saves or memorable performances during the World Cup. Unai Simon did not make the highest number of saves, as he was well protected by a particularly solid team. Nevertheless, he undeniably contributed to the impressive record of conceding only one goal during the tournament-winning campaign. He did so with a certain composure and a quality of footwork that should not be overlooked. One might also point to the times he ventured far from his goal to disrupt the French team’s attempts to play balls in behind the defense during the semi-final. This success comes as no surprise.
