Xavi Simons
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.[1][2] 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.[3][4] 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.[5][3] 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 Mauricio Pochettino, appearing in 11 Ligue 1 matches during the 2021–22 season without scoring.[4] To gain more playing time, he was loaned to PSV Eindhoven for the 2022–23 season, where he excelled, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions, helping the team win the KNVB Cup.[4] PSG exercised a buy-back clause in his contract that summer, but loaned him to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga 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.[4][6] On 29 August 2025, Tottenham Hotspur signed him permanently from RB Leipzig 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.[2][7] Internationally, Simons has represented the Netherlands at youth levels before making his senior debut at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he became the youngest Dutch player to appear in the tournament since 2006.[4] As of November 2025, he has earned 31 caps, scoring five goals, and played a key role in UEFA Euro 2024 with three assists, establishing himself as a creative force in midfield known for his vision, dribbling, and long-range shooting.[8][9][4] Standing at 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in), Simons is endorsed by Nike and has amassed millions of social media followers due to his early fame as a wonderkid.[4]Early life
Family background
Xavi Simons was born on 21 April 2003 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to parents Peggy Simons and Regillio Simons.[10][11] 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 NAC Breda, Willem II, ADO Den Haag, and TOP Oss.[12][13][11] The family's mixed Dutch-Surinamese heritage fostered a culturally rich environment during Xavi's early years, blending European and Caribbean influences in their Amsterdam household.[11] Regillio's background in professional football provided an early inspirational influence on Xavi, exposing him to the sport from a young age within the family dynamic.[14] 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.[10][15] The close-knit family structure, marked by shared interests in athletics, contributed to a supportive upbringing centered on discipline and ambition.[16]Early years in Spain
At the age of three, in 2006, Xavi Simons and his family relocated from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Rojales, a small town in the Alicante province near Orihuela, Spain, following his father Regillio's retirement from his professional playing career as a striker in the Dutch top flight.[5] This move provided new work opportunities for Regillio in coaching and allowed the family to settle in a region known for its vibrant football culture.[17] The Simons family's Dutch-Surinamese heritage shaped Xavi's multicultural identity during this transition.[18] 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.[19] 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.[17] 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.[5] His talent was quickly recognized locally, as Simons delivered standout performances in youth tournaments around Alicante, drawing attention from scouts at clubs such as Elche, Villarreal, and Cadiz by age seven.[17] Regillio Simons 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.[5] 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 Netherlands.[17] He also adapted to the language barrier, becoming fluent in Spanish alongside Dutch, which facilitated social integration at school and on the pitch.[20] This period fostered his resilience and love for the communal aspects of Spanish youth football.[5]Club career
Early career
Xavi Simons joined FC Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy in 2010 at the age of seven, following his family's relocation from the Netherlands to Spain.[17][21] 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.[22][23] 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.[3] 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.[22] His rapid development also saw him represent the Netherlands at youth international levels, including participation in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship 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.[24] However, seeking greater opportunities and financial security, he opted to depart for Paris Saint-Germain in July 2019 on a professional deal until 2022, with Barcelona receiving €130,000 in training compensation due to the expiration of his contract.[25] This move concluded his nine-year tenure at La Masia, 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 La Masia system. His transition was facilitated by the technical foundation from La Masia, allowing him to quickly adapt to PSG's youth setup. He immediately made an impact with the U19 team, featuring prominently in the UEFA Youth League during the 2019–20 season, where he scored three goals in six appearances and contributed to the team's run to the quarter-finals.[25][26] Simons made his senior professional debut for PSG on 10 February 2021, substituting for Julian Draxler in the 78th minute of a 1–0 Coupe de France win over Caen. His Ligue 1 debut followed on 10 April 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 1–4 victory against Strasbourg. During the 2021–22 season, he recorded nine senior appearances across all competitions, including seven in Ligue 1, 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 Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.[27] 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 2020–21 Coupe de France 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 loan move to PSV Eindhoven in July 2022.PSV Eindhoven
In June 2022, Xavi Simons joined PSV Eindhoven on a permanent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a five-year contract until 2027, as part of his development following limited senior opportunities at PSG.[28] 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.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] 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.[32][33] 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.[32] Primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder or right winger, Simons' versatility and creativity were instrumental in Van Nistelrooy's system, earning him the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Season award for his overall impact.[34] 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.[35]RB Leipzig
In July 2023, Xavi Simons joined RB Leipzig on an initial season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, marking his return to competitive senior football following a successful stint at PSV Eindhoven.[36] He quickly became a key figure in the squad under manager Marco Rose, contributing to the team's strong start to the campaign by helping secure the 2023 DFL-Supercup with a 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the season opener, where Simons started and played 78 minutes in midfield.[37] During the 2023–24 Bundesliga 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 UEFA Champions League.[38] His versatile playmaking, often from an attacking midfield or right-wing position, earned him the Bundesliga Goal of the Month award for September after a stunning long-range strike against Stuttgart.[38] The loan was extended for an additional season in August 2024, allowing Simons to build on his momentum.[39] In the 2024–25 Bundesliga 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 Leipzig.[40] Despite these individual contributions, the team's European campaign in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League was limited, with Leipzig exiting in the round of 16 after a competitive but ultimately unsuccessful group stage and knockout phase.[41] In January 2025, midway through the season, Simons completed a permanent transfer to Leipzig from PSG for an initial fee of €50 million, potentially rising to €80 million with add-ons, signing a contract until summer 2027.[42] This deal made him the club's record signing and underscored his importance to the squad's ambitions.[41] However, frustrations mounted as Leipzig struggled in the latter half of the 2024–25 season, finishing outside the top four and failing to qualify for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League.[43] 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.[44] Over his 18-month spell, he amassed 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances across all competitions, leaving a lasting impact on Leipzig's attacking dynamics despite the team's inconsistencies.[45]Tottenham Hotspur
On 29 August 2025, Xavi Simons transferred from RB Leipzig 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.[2][46] The 22-year-old Dutch international signed a five-year contract, joining under manager Thomas Frank, who had taken charge earlier that summer.[7][47] 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.[48] Under Frank's system, he has been deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder, emphasizing his creative abilities in linking play and delivering key passes.[49] 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.[50][51] His integration has presented challenges, including a slow start without goals amid high expectations in the Premier League's intensity.[52] He continues to contribute in Premier League fixtures and domestic cups, supporting Tottenham's push for European qualification as they sit in fifth place.[53]International career
Youth career
Simons made his debut for the Netherlands U15 team on 15 February 2018, in a 2–0 friendly victory over Italy, marking the start of his international youth career.[54] 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.[55][56] 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.[57] 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.[55] Simons debuted for the Netherlands U21 side in September 2022, starting in a 2–1 friendly win against Belgium, adding two caps at that level before transitioning to senior international duties.[58] Across all youth levels, he earned 22 caps, netting seven goals in friendly and qualifying matches that highlighted his development as a creative attacking midfielder.[55] His club youth successes at Barcelona 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 Suriname but committed to representing the Netherlands throughout his youth career.[5][59]Senior career
Simons earned his first senior call-up to the Netherlands national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he made his debut on 3 December 2022 as a substitute in the round of 16 victory over the United States (3–1), becoming the youngest Dutch player to appear in a World Cup knockout match at 19 years and 226 days old.[60][54] His early international exposure built on a strong youth career pathway, transitioning him into regular senior consideration under coaches Louis van Gaal and later Ronald Koeman.[61] Following the World Cup, Simons became a fixture in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, including a substitute appearance in the 3–0 win over Greece on 7 September 2023.[62] He scored his first international goal in a pre-tournament friendly against Iceland 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 England on 10 July 2024, though the Netherlands fell 2–1 and were eliminated after reaching the semi-finals.[63] 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.[64][65] Simons remains a key selection for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which began for the Netherlands in June 2025, underscoring his growing importance to the Oranje's qualification efforts as of November 2025.[9]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.[3] 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 Adidas, where he appeared in various promotional campaigns for their football apparel and footwear lines.[66] This move aligned with his growing presence in European football, allowing him to feature in Adidas' marketing efforts targeted at emerging stars. By 2023, Simons transitioned to a long-term partnership with Puma, coinciding with his loans at PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, and became the face of their iconic KING boot franchise, including a personalized line of footwear.[67] 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 Red Bull as one of their featured athletes, supporting content and events related to football and performance.[68]Public image
Xavi Simons has cultivated a significant social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where he amassed over 2.1 million followers by November 2019, reflecting his early status as a teenage prodigy.[3] By late 2025, his follower count had grown to approximately 7 million, underscoring his rising global appeal among football fans.[69] Following his standout loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022–23 season, Simons was frequently portrayed in Dutch and international media as one of the Netherlands' most promising young talents, often dubbed a potential "next big thing" in European football.[70] In interviews, he has emphasized his strong work ethic, 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.[71] 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.[72][73] Despite his fame, Simons has maintained a low-key lifestyle, avoiding major public incidents or controversies and focusing instead on his professional development and privacy.[74] In 2025, amid his adaptation to Tottenham Hotspur, he demonstrated maturity by acknowledging challenges publicly, commenting after a strong performance in November that "not everything goes how you want" but vowing to keep working to improve.[75] His sponsorship deals have further amplified his visibility among younger audiences.[76]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.[77][78] 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.[77] Among his key technical attributes, Simons excels in dribbling, 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.[30] He demonstrates exceptional vision for assists through precise key passes, ranking highly in chance creation, and possesses accuracy in long-range shooting, particularly from distance, as highlighted in performance analyses.[79] 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.[30] 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.[30] Throughout his career, Simons has evolved from a goal-scoring winger at PSV Eindhoven, where he focused on finishing opportunities with 22 goals in 2022-23, to a more creative playmaker at RB Leipzig, emphasizing assists and progressive passing with 18 assists across two Bundesliga seasons.[80] This shift underscores his growing maturity in dictating play from central positions while maintaining his flair for direct contributions.[80]Reception
Xavi Simons has received widespread praise from coaches for his exceptional vision and maturity on the pitch. During his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in 2022–23, former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy 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.[81] 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.[82] Media outlets have similarly lauded Simons' potential, often emphasizing his dynamic qualities. In a 2024 Guardian feature, Simons was described as a versatile playmaker poised to shine on international stages, with his quick thinking and ability to influence games from multiple positions drawing comparisons to elite talents.[61] 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 goal and struggles adapting to the Premier League's intensity, with performances against teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa highlighting lapses in composure.[83][84] However, supporters and analysts remain optimistic, viewing these as teething issues for a 22-year-old adjusting to a new league. Experts frequently compare Simons to fellow Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong for his technical finesse and ball-carrying ability, while his creative flair evokes Jamal Musiala, particularly in one-on-one situations and transitional play.[85] These parallels highlight Simons' blend of intelligence and unpredictability, though he is still refining the consistency to match his idols.[86]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.[87] Simons was loaned to PSV Eindhoven 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 RB Leipzig 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.[87] As of 17 November 2025, Simons' overall senior club career totals stand at 147 appearances, 43 goals, and 36 assists across all competitions.[87] His disciplinary record includes 27 yellow cards and 1 red card.[87] Key seasonal contributions highlight his development, particularly in league play:| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie | 34 | 19 | 8 |
| 2022–23 | PSV Eindhoven | KNVB Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | PSV Eindhoven | UEFA Europa League | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 32 | 8 | 13 |
| 2023–24 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 25 | 10 | 7 |
| 2024–25 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024–25 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Tottenham | Premier League | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025–26 | Tottenham | EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Tottenham | UEFA Champions League | 4 | 0 | 1 |
International
Xavi Simons began his international career with the Netherlands 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 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup where the Netherlands reached the quarter-finals.Youth International Statistics
| Age Group | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U15 | 5 | 1 |
| U16 | 3 | 0 |
| U17 | 6 | 3 |
| U19 | 6 | 3 |
| U21 | 15 | 3 |
| Total | 35 | 10 |
Senior International Statistics (as of 17 November 2025)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| UEFA Nations League 2024–25 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Friendlies & Qualifiers | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 31 | 5 | 7 |