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Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons
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Xavi Quentin Shay Simons (Dutch: [ˈtɕaːʋi ˈsimɔns];[3] born 21 April 2003) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Netherlands national team.

Key Information

Originally a product of Barcelona's La Masia, Simons signed for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in July 2019, where he would initially join the under-19s before making his professional debut in 2021. With PSG, he won a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France title. In 2022, Simons returned to his native Netherlands with PSV, winning the KNVB Cup, Johan Cruyff Shield, and Eredivisie top scorer award in his only season at the club. In 2023, he rejoined PSG before being immediately loaned out to RB Leipzig in Germany for two seasons, signing permanently for the club in 2025.

Initially playing for the Netherlands at youth level, Simons received his first call-up to the national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and made his debut at the tournament.

Early life

[edit]

Born in Amsterdam, Xavi is the son of Peggy Simons and Dutch former footballer Regillio Simons, who is of Surinamese descent.[4][5] Xavi's older brother Faustino (born 1996), who also played football, shares the same birthday as him.[6]

At the age of three, he moved with his family to a village near Alicante, Spain where he started playing football at Club Deportivo Thader, a local club.[7]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Simons joined the youth setup of Barcelona in 2010 from Club Deportivo Thader of Alicante,[8] and quickly progressed to become one of the Catalan club's most highly-rated youth players, with English club Chelsea reportedly attempting to sign him at a young age.[9] Described as a "prodigy", he joined the group of players represented by agent Mino Raiola in 2017.[10][11]

Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]
Simons as a Paris Saint-Germain youth player in 2020

In July 2019, Simons moved to French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having failed to agree a new contract with Barcelona.[12] His three-year contract with the Parisian club was reportedly worth up to €1 million annually.[13][14] On 10 February 2021, Simons made his professional debut for PSG, coming on as a substitute for Julian Draxler in a 1–0 Coupe de France win over Caen.[15][16] He made his Ligue 1 debut as a substitute in a 4–1 win over Strasbourg two months later.[17] On 19 May 2021, he won his first professional trophy, the Coupe de France.[18]

Simons with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020

Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Simons was included in the first-team preparation and pre-season by manager Mauricio Pochettino.[19] On 18 August, Simons was sent back to train with the under-19 squad coached by Zoumana Camara.[20] He eventually made his first appearance of the season for PSG in a 3–0 cup win over Feignies Aulnoye on 19 December, his first ever professional start.[21] On 3 January 2022, Simons recorded his first senior assist in a 4–0 cup win over Vannes, a pass for Kylian Mbappé.[22] His first league appearance of the 2021–22 season came in a 1–1 draw against Lyon on 9 January, where he came on as a 69th-minute substitute.[23] On 31 January, Simons missed the final penalty in a 6–5 penalty shoot-out defeat to Nice in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.[24] On 11 February, he made his first Ligue 1 start in a 1–0 win over Rennes at the Parc des Princes.[25] At the end of the season, Simons won the Ligue 1 title, his first professional league title.[26]

PSV

[edit]

On 28 June 2022, Simons signed for Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven on a five-year contract.[27] Although he was initially expected to extend his contract with PSG and join PSV on loan,[28] the situation changed when PSV no longer wanted a loan deal.[29] However, PSG negotiated a reported €6 million buy-back clause in Simons's contract, effective in 2023.[30][31]

Simons scored his first career goal on his PSV debut, a 5–3 win over rivals Ajax in the Johan Cruyff Shield on 30 July 2022.[32] On 7 August, in his first Eredivisie game, he provided an assist for Johan Bakayoko, who opened the scoring in a 4–1 victory against newly-promoted Emmen.[33] Simons made his European debut with PSV in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, and scored his first European goal in a 5–1 UEFA Europa League group stage victory away to Zürich on 6 October.[34][35] In the 2023 KNVB Cup final, he provided the assist for Thorgan Hazard's goal as PSV came out victorious over Ajax on penalties.[36] In the final match of the 2022–23 Eredivisie season on 28 May 2023, Simons scored a brace, including a stoppage-time winner, in a 2–1 victory over AZ, securing second place for PSV and a spot in the Champions League qualifiers for the following season.[37][38] With nineteen goals, he shared the Eredivisie top scorer award with Anastasios Douvikas of Utrecht.[39] Simons finished the club season with twenty-two goals and twelve assists in forty-eight games across all competitions, and won two Player of the Month awards in August 2022 and March 2023.[40][41]

On 16 July 2023, it was announced by PSV that Simons had departed the club's training camp in order to finalize a transfer back to Paris Saint-Germain.[42]

Return to Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]

On 19 July 2023, Simons returned to Paris Saint-Germain, signing a four-year contract after the club triggered a reported €6 million buy-back clause in his PSV contract, where Simons had the final say on his return.[43][44]

Loan to RB Leipzig

[edit]
Simons playing for RB Leipzig in 2023 against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League

Immediately after being signed back by Paris Saint-Germain, Simons was loaned out to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for the 2023–24 season.[45][46] He was assigned the number 20 jersey.[44] On 12 August 2023, he made his debut for the club in a 3–0 win over Bayern Munich in the 2023 DFL-Supercup.[47] On 25 August, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 5–1 win over VfB Stuttgart, a match in which he also recorded two assists.[48] On 25 October, Simons scored his first goal in the Champions League in a 3–1 victory over Red Star Belgrade.[49] In addition, he was named player of the match, as he also provided an assist; aged 20 years and 187 days, he became the youngest Dutch player to both score and assist in the competition since Arjen Robben in 2003.[50] In the second fixture against Red Star Belgrade on 7 November, Simons scored the opening goal in a 2–1 win, securing qualification to the round of 16.[51] By the end of the season, Simons had scored eight goals and registered eleven assists in thirty-two Bundesliga appearances, finishing joint-second in assists and helping RB Leipzig to a fourth-place finish.[52]

On 5 August 2024, Simons was again loaned out to RB Leipzig for the rest of the season.[53] On 12 January 2025, on the occasion of his first start since October 2024 due to an injury, Simons scored a brace in a 4–2 victory over Werder Bremen, his first brace in the Bundesliga on his 40th appearance in the competition.[54][55]

RB Leipzig

[edit]

On 30 January 2025, RB Leipzig signed Simons on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain for €50 million plus €31 million in potential bonuses.[56][57] RB Leipzig broke their transfer record to sign him on a contract until 2027.[58]

On 14 May 2025, Simons informed Leipzig of his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2024–25 season, citing the team's failure to qualify for the following season's Champions League as a key factor.[59]

Tottenham Hotspur

[edit]

On 29 August 2025, Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Simons on a five year minimum contract, for a fee believed to be around £51.8 million.[60] The transfer was noteworthy due to Simons’ decision to sign for Tottenham in spite of the well-documented interest of their London rivals Chelsea, who had courted him throughout the summer 2025 transfer window.[61]

Simons made his debut for Tottenham on 13 September 2025, starting and assisting the first goal in a 3–0 away victory against West Ham.[62]

International career

[edit]

Simons represented the Netherlands at under-15, under-16, under-17, and under-19 and under-21 levels.[4]

On 21 October 2022, Simons was included in the pre-selection of the Netherlands national team for the first time in his career.[63] On 11 November, he was officially called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar by head coach Louis van Gaal.[64] The youngest player in the Dutch squad, Simons was described as a "somewhat surprise inclusion".[65][66] On 3 December, he made his Netherlands and World Cup debut in a 3–1 win over the United States in the round of 16,[67] becoming the youngest player to feature in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the Netherlands.[68] In the quarter-finals, he was an unused substitute as the Dutch were eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout.[69]

On 24 March 2023, Simons made his first start for the Netherlands in their opening UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against France.[70] He went on to feature in every match of the qualifying campaign for the Oranje, starting in seven of the eight Group B fixtures.[71] In June 2023, Simons was a member of the Dutch squad for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, starting against both Croatia in the semi-final and Italy in the third place play-off.[72][73] On 29 May 2024, Simons was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[74] He scored his first senior international goal in the team's final warm-up friendly – a 4–0 win over Iceland on 10 June.[75] On 10 July, he scored a goal in the 7th minute against England in the semi-finals. However, the Netherlands were eventually defeated 2–1.[76]

Personal life

[edit]

At the age of 13, Simons had his first advertising contract with Nike. He switched to Adidas in 2021 before joining Puma in 2023.[77][78] In August 2018, he featured in a Nike commercial titled "Awaken the Phantom" alongside players Philippe Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Andrea Pirlo.[79] During his youth career, Simons amassed a large social media following on Instagram; he had over two million followers on the platform in 2019, at the age of 16.[80] In March 2020, Simons was named on Goal's "NxGn 2020" list of the fifty best wonderkids in world football.[81] He was also included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2020" in October.[82]

Following the death of Mino Raiola in April 2022, Rafaela Pimenta became Simons's agent.[83] In May 2023, he changed his representation to Darren Dein.[84]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 8 November 2025[85]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Paris Saint-Germain 2020–21[85] Ligue 1 1 0 1 0 — 0 0 0 0 2 0
2021–22[85] Ligue 1 6 0 3 0 — 0 0 0 0 9 0
Total 7 0 4 0 — 0 0 0 0 11 0
PSV 2022–23[85] Eredivisie 34 19 4 1 — 9[c] 1 1[d] 1 48 22
RB Leipzig (loan) 2023–24[85] Bundesliga 32 8 2 0 — 8[e] 2 1[f] 0 43 10
RB Leipzig 2024–25[85][g] Bundesliga 25 10 3 1 — 5[e] 0 — 33 11
2025–26[85] Bundesliga 1 0 1 1 — — — 2 1
Leipzig total 58 18 6 2 — 13 2 1 0 78 22
Tottenham Hotspur 2025–26[85] Premier League 8 0 0 0 2 0 4[e] 0 — 14 0
Career total 107 37 14 3 2 0 26 3 2 1 151 44
  1. ^ Includes Coupe de France, KNVB Cup, DFB-Pokal, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, seven appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
  5. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  6. ^ Appearance in DFL-Supercup
  7. ^ Part of this season was spent on loan from Paris Saint-Germain

International

[edit]
As of match played 17 November 2025[86]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 2022 1 0
2023 10 0
2024 13 3
2025 8 3
Total 32 6
Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each Simons goal.[86]
List of international goals scored by Xavi Simons
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 June 2024 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 14  Iceland 1–0 4–0 Friendly
2 10 July 2024 Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany 20  England 1–0 1–2 UEFA Euro 2024
3 7 September 2024 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 21  Bosnia and Herzegovina 5–2 5–2 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A
4 23 March 2025 Mestalla, Valencia, Spain 26  Spain 3–3 3–3 (a.e.t.)
(4–5 p)		 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A
5 10 June 2025 Euroborg, Groningen, Netherlands 28  Malta 4–0 8–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 17 November 2025 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 32  Lithuania 3–0 4–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

[edit]

Paris Saint-Germain

PSV

RB Leipzig

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Xavi Simons

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Xavi Quentin Shay Simons (born 21 April 2003) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Netherlands national team. Born in Amsterdam to former professional footballer Regillio Simons, Xavi moved with his family to Rojales, a small town near Alicante in Spain, at the age of three, where his father played in the lower divisions. He began his youth career at local club CD Thader before joining FC Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy at age seven in 2010, where he quickly gained attention as a prodigy for his technical skills and viral training videos. In 2019, at just 16, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract that made him one of the highest-paid youth players in Europe, earning up to €1 million annually. Simons made his professional debut for PSG in August 2021 under manager , appearing in 11 matches during the 2021–22 season without scoring. To gain more playing time, he was loaned to for the 2022–23 season, where he excelled, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions, helping the team win the . PSG exercised a buy-back clause in his contract that summer, but loaned him to in the for the 2023–24 season, where he contributed 10 goals and 15 assists; in January 2025, Leipzig signed him permanently from PSG, and he continued performing strongly in the 2024–25 season. On 29 August 2025, Tottenham Hotspur signed him permanently from on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of £51.8 million (€60 million), marking his return to English football interest after earlier links to clubs like Chelsea. Internationally, Simons has represented the at youth levels before making his senior debut at the in , where he became the youngest Dutch player to appear in the tournament since 2006. As of November 2025, he has earned 31 caps, scoring five goals, and played a key role in with three assists, establishing himself as a creative force in midfield known for his vision, dribbling, and long-range shooting. Standing at 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in), Simons is endorsed by Nike and has amassed millions of followers due to his early fame as a wonderkid.

Early life

Family background

Xavi Simons was born on 21 April 2003 in , , to parents Peggy Simons and . His mother, Peggy, is of Dutch origin, while his father, Regillio, is a former professional footballer of Surinamese descent who played as a striker for several Dutch clubs, including , Willem II, , and . The family's mixed Dutch-Surinamese heritage fostered a culturally rich environment during Xavi's early years, blending European and influences in their Amsterdam household. Regillio's background in professional football provided an early inspirational influence on , exposing him to the sport from a young age within the family dynamic. Xavi grew up alongside two siblings: an older brother, Faustino Simons (born 1996), who has also pursued a career in football, and a younger sister, Kenza. The close-knit family structure, marked by shared interests in athletics, contributed to a supportive upbringing centered on discipline and ambition.

Early years in Spain

At the age of three, in 2006, Xavi Simons and his relocated from , , to Rojales, a small town in the province near , , following his father Regillio's retirement from his professional playing career as a striker in the Dutch top flight. This move provided new work opportunities for Regillio in and allowed the to settle in a region known for its vibrant football culture. The Simons family's Dutch-Surinamese heritage shaped Xavi's multicultural identity during this transition. Simons began his organized football experiences in 2008, at age five, joining the youth ranks of local amateur club CD Thader in Rojales, where he played until 2010. At Thader, he developed foundational skills on community pitches, participating in casual training sessions and matches that emphasized technical play and enjoyment of the game. These early years at the club laid the groundwork for his passion for football, with Simons often training alongside older children and showing natural aptitude in ball control and vision. His talent was quickly recognized locally, as Simons delivered standout performances in youth tournaments around Alicante, drawing attention from scouts at clubs such as , , and Cadiz by age seven. noted his son's exceptional game understanding even at three or four, crediting informal street games and Thader sessions for honing his speed and creativity. These local achievements highlighted his potential without the pressures of professional environments. During his preschool years in Rojales, Simons adjusted to Spanish football culture by immersing himself in community games that prioritized flair and possession, contrasting with the more direct style he had known in the . He also adapted to the , becoming fluent in Spanish alongside Dutch, which facilitated at school and on the pitch. This period fostered his resilience and love for the communal aspects of Spanish youth football.

Club career

Early career

Xavi Simons joined FC Barcelona's renowned academy in 2010 at the age of seven, following his family's relocation from the to . He quickly progressed through the youth ranks, starting with the Prebenjamín squad in the 2010-11 season and demonstrating exceptional technical skill and vision that marked him as a standout talent. By his mid-teens, Simons had become a key figure in Barcelona's youth setup, captaining several teams including Cadete A during the 2018-19 season. In December 2018, at just 15 years old, he made his debut for the Juvenil B side (under-18 level) against Mollet, showcasing his potential for higher age groups. His rapid development also saw him represent the at youth international levels, including participation in the 2019 qualifiers, where he contributed significantly to the team's efforts. As his initial youth contract neared expiry in 2019, Barcelona offered Simons a renewal worth approximately €100,000 per season along with promotion to the Juvenil A (under-19) team. However, seeking greater opportunities and financial security, he opted to depart for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 on a professional deal until 2022, with Barcelona receiving €130,000 in training compensation due to the expiration of his contract. This move concluded his nine-year tenure at , where he had trained alongside elite prospects and honed his attacking midfield abilities.

Paris Saint-Germain

Xavi Simons joined Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy in July 2019 at the age of 16, signing a three-year contract after leaving Barcelona's system. His transition was facilitated by the technical foundation from , allowing him to quickly adapt to PSG's youth setup. He immediately made an impact with the U19 team, featuring prominently in the during the 2019–20 season, where he scored three goals in six appearances and contributed to the team's run to the quarter-finals. Simons made his senior professional debut for PSG on 10 February 2021, substituting for in the 78th minute of a 1–0 win over . His debut followed on 10 April 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 1–4 victory against . During the 2021–22 season, he recorded nine senior appearances across all competitions, including seven in , but no goals; his limited playing time—totaling just 307 minutes—was largely due to intense competition in midfield and attack from established stars like and . Despite his bench role, Simons was part of PSG's successful campaigns, contributing to the club's 2021–22 Ligue 1 title win—their tenth in the competition—and the triumph, though his involvement in the latter was minimal as a squad player. Seeking more consistent first-team opportunities to further his development, Simons agreed to a move to in July 2022.

PSV Eindhoven

In June 2022, Xavi Simons joined on a permanent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a five-year until 2027, as part of his development following limited senior opportunities at PSG. The move allowed the 19-year-old Dutch talent to return to his homeland and secure regular playing time in a competitive environment. However, the deal included a €6 million buy-back clause in favor of PSG, exercisable from July 2023, which would later facilitate his return. During the 2022–23 Eredivisie season, Simons enjoyed a breakout campaign under head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, making 34 appearances, scoring 19 goals, and providing 8 assists. His prolific form, including a shared top scorer award with 19 league goals, highlighted his clinical finishing and vision, contributing significantly to PSV's second-place finish. Beyond the league, Simons played a key role in PSV's successes in domestic cups, scoring 1 goal across 4 KNVB Cup matches and assisting 2, helping the team win the competition with a 1–1 draw and 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory over Ajax in the April 2023 final, where he provided the assist for the equalizer. He also debuted impressively by scoring the winning goal as a substitute in the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield, securing a 4–3 triumph against Ajax. Primarily deployed as an attacking or right winger, Simons' versatility and creativity were instrumental in Van Nistelrooy's system, earning him the Talent of the Season award for his overall impact. Despite PSV's desire for him to extend his stay with a new permanent contract, Simons opted to return to PSG in July 2023 after the club activated its buy-back clause.

RB Leipzig

In July 2023, Xavi Simons joined on an initial season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, marking his return to competitive senior football following a successful stint at . He quickly became a key figure in the squad under manager , contributing to the team's strong start to the campaign by helping secure the with a 3-0 victory over Bayern in the season opener, where Simons started and played 78 minutes in midfield. During the season, Simons made 32 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 11 assists, which played a pivotal role in Leipzig finishing fourth and qualifying for the . His versatile playmaking, often from an attacking midfield or right-wing position, earned him the Goal of the Month award for September after a stunning long-range strike against . The loan was extended for an additional season in August 2024, allowing Simons to build on his momentum. In the 2024–25 campaign, he recorded 10 goals and 6 assists across 25 appearances, contributing to a total of 18 goals and 17 assists in 57 league games during his time at . Despite these individual contributions, the team's European campaign in the was limited, with exiting in the round of 16 after a competitive but ultimately unsuccessful group stage and knockout phase. In January 2025, midway through the season, Simons completed a permanent transfer to from PSG for an initial fee of €50 million, potentially rising to €80 million with add-ons, signing a until summer 2027. This deal made him the club's record signing and underscored his importance to the squad's ambitions. However, frustrations mounted as struggled in the latter half of the 2024–25 season, finishing outside the top four and failing to qualify for the 2025–26 . On 14 May 2025, Simons announced his departure from the club at the end of the season, citing the lack of European qualification and limited continental success as key factors in his decision to seek new challenges. Over his 18-month spell, he amassed 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances across all competitions, leaving a lasting impact on 's attacking dynamics despite the team's inconsistencies.

Tottenham Hotspur

On 29 August 2025, Xavi Simons transferred from to Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £51.8 million, equivalent to approximately €60 million, marking a high-value move built on his successful tenure at the German club. The 22-year-old Dutch international signed a five-year contract, joining under manager , who had taken charge earlier that summer. Simons made his debut for Tottenham on 13 September 2025, starting in a Premier League match against West Ham United, where he provided an assist in a 3–0 victory. Under Frank's system, he has been deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder, emphasizing his creative abilities in linking play and delivering key passes. As of 17 November 2025, Simons had recorded 8 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham in the 2025–26 season, with 0 goals and 1 assist. In the UEFA Champions League match against FC Copenhagen on 4 November 2025, Simons provided an assist in a 4–0 victory and noted in post-match comments that he was beginning to adapt despite initial pressures of team integration. His integration has presented challenges, including a slow start without goals amid high expectations in the Premier League's intensity. He continues to contribute in fixtures and domestic cups, supporting Tottenham's push for European qualification as they sit in fifth place.

International career

Youth career

Simons made his debut for the U15 team on 15 February 2018, in a 2–0 friendly victory over , marking the start of his international youth career. His strong performances led to a rapid progression through the youth ranks, earning call-ups to the U16 team in 2019 with three appearances, followed immediately by the U17 level later that year, where he accumulated 6 caps and scored three goals across friendlies and qualifiers. At the U17 level, Simons was part of the Netherlands squad for the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers, contributing to their successful qualification for the finals tournament in the Republic of Ireland; the team went on to win the tournament, defeating Italy in the final, though Simons was not included in the finals squad. He continued his ascent with the U19 team in 2021, making six appearances and scoring three goals, including during the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. Simons debuted for the Netherlands U21 side in September 2022, starting in a 2–1 friendly win against , adding two caps at that level before transitioning to senior international duties. Across all youth levels, he earned 22 caps, netting seven goals in friendly and qualifying matches that highlighted his development as a creative attacking . His club youth successes at and Paris Saint-Germain played a key role in securing these national team opportunities. Born to a Dutch mother and a father of Surinamese descent, Simons held dual eligibility for but committed to representing the throughout his youth career.

Senior career

Simons earned his first senior call-up to the Netherlands national team for the in , where he made his debut on 3 December 2022 as a substitute in the round of 16 victory over the (3–1), becoming the youngest Dutch player to appear in a World Cup knockout match at 19 years and 226 days old. His early international exposure built on a strong youth career pathway, transitioning him into regular senior consideration under coaches and later . Following the , Simons became a fixture in the squad for , including a substitute appearance in the 3–0 win over on 7 September 2023. He scored his first international goal in a pre-tournament friendly against on 10 June 2024 (4–0 win). At Euro 2024, Simons featured prominently, starting in group stage matches, providing three assists, and scoring a stunning long-range strike in the 7th minute of the semi-final against on 10 July 2024, though the Netherlands fell 2–1 and were eliminated after reaching the semi-finals. In the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, Simons secured starting roles in key fixtures, contributing to the Netherlands' campaign in League A with 2 goals and 1 assist across 8 appearances, including a notable performance in the 2–2 draw against Germany on 10 September 2024. As of 17 November 2025, he has accumulated 31 caps and 5 goals for the senior team. Simons remains a key selection for the ongoing qualifiers, which began for the in June 2025, underscoring his growing importance to the Oranje's qualification efforts as of November 2025.

Personal life

Sponsorship deals

Simons secured his first major sponsorship deal with Nike at the age of 13 in 2016, while developing in FC Barcelona's youth system, marking an early recognition of his potential as a prodigy. This partnership highlighted his rising profile even before turning professional, positioning him among the brand's promising young talents. In 2021, during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Simons switched his endorsement to , where he appeared in various promotional campaigns for their football apparel and footwear lines. This move aligned with his growing presence in European football, allowing him to feature in ' marketing efforts targeted at emerging stars. By 2023, Simons transitioned to a long-term partnership with Puma, coinciding with his loans at and , and became the face of their iconic boot franchise, including a personalized line of footwear. The deal emphasized Puma's focus on innovative designs for creative midfielders like Simons, with him actively involved in product endorsements and campaigns through 2025. In addition to his primary sportswear deals, Simons has engaged in other endorsements, including a partnership with as one of their featured s, supporting content and events related to football and performance.

Public image

Xavi Simons has cultivated a significant social media presence, particularly on , where he amassed over 2.1 million followers by November 2019, reflecting his early status as a teenage prodigy. By late 2025, his follower count had grown to approximately 7 million, underscoring his rising global appeal among football fans. Following his standout loan spell at in the 2022–23 season, Simons was frequently portrayed in Dutch and international media as one of the ' most promising young talents, often dubbed a potential "next big thing" in European football. In interviews, he has emphasized his strong , stating in August 2025 that "the dedication will always be there, the hard work will be there," while highlighting the importance of personal happiness and growth in his career decisions. Simons has also spoken candidly about his family values, describing happiness as "staying healthy and having my family close" and noting that he prioritizes family above all else, including calling his brother during goal celebrations. Despite his fame, Simons has maintained a low-key , avoiding major public incidents or controversies and focusing instead on his and . In 2025, amid his adaptation to Tottenham Hotspur, he demonstrated maturity by acknowledging challenges publicly, commenting after a strong performance in that "not everything goes how you want" but vowing to keep working to improve. His sponsorship deals have further amplified his visibility among younger audiences.

Playing style

Positions and attributes

Xavi Simons primarily operates as an attacking midfielder (No. 10), though he frequently deploys on the right wing or in central midfield roles, showcasing versatility that enables him to contribute in box-to-box capacities during matches. His ability to adapt across these positions allows him to influence games both in advanced areas and deeper in midfield, often drifting between the lines to exploit spaces. Among his key technical attributes, Simons excels in , with a noted strength in navigating tight spaces and completing take-ons at a success rate of approximately 52.5% during his 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign, where he recorded 84 successful dribbles. He demonstrates exceptional vision for assists through precise key passes, ranking highly in chance creation, and possesses accuracy in long-range , particularly from distance, as highlighted in performance analyses. Additionally, his stamina supports high-intensity pressing, evidenced by 30 tackles attempted and 17 won in the same season, contributing to defensive recoveries in advanced areas. Physically, Simons measures 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m) tall with a lean, agile build weighing 58 kg (128 lbs), which suits the demands of modern, high-pressing football by enhancing his quick directional changes and endurance on the pitch. Throughout his career, Simons has evolved from a goal-scoring winger at , where he focused on finishing opportunities with 22 goals in 2022-23, to a more creative playmaker at , emphasizing assists and progressive passing with 18 assists across two seasons. This shift underscores his growing maturity in dictating play from central positions while maintaining his flair for direct contributions.

Reception

Xavi Simons has received widespread praise from coaches for his exceptional vision and maturity on the pitch. During his loan spell at in 2022–23, former manager highlighted Simons' unprecedented mentality and credited himself with helping develop the young midfielder into a more complete player, noting his ability to perform under pressure despite his youth. Van Nistelrooy's influence was evident in Simons' breakout season, where he demonstrated a level-headedness beyond his 19 years, earning accolades for his tactical awareness and decision-making in high-stakes matches. Media outlets have similarly lauded Simons' potential, often emphasizing his dynamic qualities. In a 2024 Guardian feature, Simons was described as a versatile poised to shine on international stages, with his quick thinking and ability to influence games from multiple positions drawing comparisons to elite talents. These assessments underscore Simons' rapid rise, positioning him as one of Europe's top emerging prospects. Despite the acclaim, Simons has faced criticism for occasional inconsistencies, particularly in his finishing during the early months of the 2025–26 season at Tottenham Hotspur. After a high-profile £51.8 million transfer, pundits noted missed opportunities in front of and struggles adapting to the League's intensity, with performances against teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa highlighting lapses in composure. However, supporters and analysts remain optimistic, viewing these as issues for a 22-year-old adjusting to a new league. Experts frequently compare Simons to fellow Dutch midfielder for his technical finesse and ball-carrying ability, while his creative flair evokes , particularly in one-on-one situations and transitional play. These parallels highlight Simons' blend of intelligence and unpredictability, though he is still refining the consistency to match his idols.

Career statistics

Club

Xavi Simons began his professional club career with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he made his senior debut in 2021 after progressing through the youth ranks at FC Barcelona, though he recorded no senior appearances for the latter. In his time at PSG, spanning the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons, he appeared in 11 matches across all competitions, scoring 0 goals and providing 1 assist. Simons was loaned to for the 2022–23 season, where he enjoyed a breakout campaign, featuring in 44 appearances and contributing 21 goals and 9 assists. Following this, he joined on loan in 2023–24, which transitioned to a permanent move, accumulating 76 appearances, 21 goals, and 23 assists over the two full seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25), plus 2 appearances, 1 goal, and 1 assist in early 2025–26 before his transfer. In the summer of 2025, Simons transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, making 14 appearances with 0 goals and 2 assists as of 17 November 2025. As of 17 November 2025, Simons' overall senior club career totals stand at 147 appearances, 43 goals, and 36 assists across all competitions. His disciplinary record includes 27 yellow cards and 1 red card. Key seasonal contributions highlight his development, particularly in league play:
SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2022–23PSV EindhovenEredivisie34198
2022–23PSV EindhovenKNVB Cup000
2022–23PSV EindhovenUEFA Europa League711
2023–24RB LeipzigBundesliga32813
2023–24RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal200
2023–24RB LeipzigUEFA Champions League822
2024–25RB LeipzigBundesliga25107
2024–25RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal311
2024–25RB LeipzigUEFA Champions League500
2025–26TottenhamPremier League801
2025–26TottenhamEFL Cup200
2025–26TottenhamUEFA Champions League401
These figures encompass league, domestic cup, and European fixtures, demonstrating Simons' versatility in attacking roles.

International

Xavi Simons began his international career with the youth teams, featuring for the country across various age groups from under-15 to under-21 levels. He accumulated approximately 35 caps and scored 10 goals in youth internationals, showcasing his early talent and contributing to several successful campaigns, including the where the reached the quarter-finals.

Youth International Statistics

Age GroupAppearancesGoals
U1551
U1630
U1763
U1963
U21153
Total3510
Simons transitioned to the senior team in September 2022, making his debut in a match against . As of 17 November 2025, he has earned 31 caps, scoring 5 goals and providing 7 assists for the Oranje. His contributions have been particularly notable in major tournaments, where he has demonstrated versatility in midfield and on the wings. Simons has received several cautions but no red cards in senior appearances. At , Simons played a key role for the , who reached the semi-finals. He featured in all 6 matches, starting 5, and scored a stunning long-range goal in the 7th minute of the semi-final against , giving his team an early lead in a 1–2 defeat. He recorded 1 goal and 3 assists in the tournament. In the , Simons appeared in 8 matches for the in League A, Group 3, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist, helping the team secure promotion playoff qualification. His performances included consistent involvement in the attack, though the side faced tough competition from and .

Senior International Statistics (as of 17 November 2025)

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
613
821
Friendlies & Qualifiers1623
Total3157

Honours

Club honours

Xavi Simons has won several domestic trophies across his club career with Paris Saint-Germain, , and . With Paris Saint-Germain, he was a squad member for the 2020–21 Coupe de France-winning team, making his senior debut in a round-of-32 against SM on 10 February 2021, though his overall playing time that season was limited. He also featured in 11 first-team appearances during the title-winning campaign. At on loan from PSG, Simons started in the 2022 final against Ajax on 30 July 2022, scoring the stoppage-time winner in a 5–3 victory to secure the trophy. He was a key starter in the 2022–23 , including the final against Ajax on 30 April 2023, which PSV won 1–1 (3–2 on penalties). During his loan at in the 2023–24 season, Simons started in the match against Bayern Munich on 12 August 2023, playing 78 minutes in a 3–0 win before being substituted. As of November 2025, Simons has not won any honours with Tottenham Hotspur, having joined the club in August 2025.

Individual

During the 2022–23 season with , Xavi Simons was recognized as the joint-top goalscorer in the , netting 19 goals in 32 appearances. He also earned the Talent of the Year award for his outstanding performances as a young player in the Dutch top flight. Additionally, Simons was named Player of the Month for August 2022 and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month for January 2023, highlighting his consistent impact early in the campaign. In his debut Bundesliga season with RB Leipzig during 2023–24, Simons received the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award for April, after contributing three goals and three assists in five matches that month. He was shortlisted and selected in multiple media and fan-voted Team of the Season lineups, including those from Bulinews and footballtransfers.com, for his 8 goals and 11 assists across 32 league appearances. His contributions also led to recognition as 's Bundesliga Player of the Season by Bulinews staff. On the international stage, Simons has not yet received major individual honors with the senior team as of 2025, though he was nominated for the 2023 , awarded to the world's best under-21 player. At youth level, his performances have been notable but without formal tournament accolades, such as inclusion in the Under-21 Team of the Tournament.

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