All news

Terzic backs Unai Simón for the Yashin Trophy: "He's the best goalkeeper in the world"

Unai Simón is emerging as one of the strongest candidates for the Yashin Trophy, which will be awarded on Monday, October 26 in London during the Ballon d'Or gala. His coach at Athletic Club, Terzic, has made his position clear: he considers the Spanish international the best goalkeeper in the world.

JaviByJaviVerified account4 min read
Unai Simón wearing his gloves during an Athletic Club training session as Terzic backs his bid for the Yashin Trophy.
Unai Simón wearing his gloves during an Athletic Club training session as Terzic backs his bid for the Yashin Trophy.

The countdown to the Ballon d'Or has a prominent name in Unai Simón. The Athletic Club and Spain goalkeeper is one of the leading candidates to win the Yashin Trophy, the award that recognizes the best goalkeeper of the year and will be presented on Monday, October 26 in London. His coach, Terzic, has made his stance clear: nobody is above him right now.

  • Terzic says Unai Simón is the best goalkeeper in the world and that nobody is above him.
  • The coach highlights the World Cup won with Spain and the unbeaten run record he set in the tournament.
  • The Ballon d'Or gala will present the Yashin Trophy on Monday, October 26 in London.
  • The Murgia-born keeper kept several clean sheets before the break, a credit his coach also attributes to him.
  • Beyond his saves, Terzic values his leadership and the standards he sets for himself in the dressing room.

Terzic has no doubts: Unai Simón stands at the top of world football

The Athletic coach did not hold back when assessing the Spanish international's current form. He said he felt extremely proud to have him in his squad and was emphatic in placing him at the summit of world football. For Terzic, the Murgia-born star is the best goalkeeper on the planet right now, and while he acknowledged that other keepers may be at his level, he insisted that none are above him.

Right now he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, for me he is the best goalkeeper in the world. There may be others at his level, but nobody above him.

The World Cup and the unbeaten run record: Unai Simón's case for the Yashin Trophy

The Basque goalkeeper's candidacy is built on a recent trophy haul of the highest order. Terzic recalled that Simón won the World Cup, the biggest title a footballer can win with his national team, and underlined a detail that strengthens his role in that success: the keeper broke the tournament's unbeaten run record, a milestone that placed him among the great names of the competition.

Athletic's clean sheets also carry his signature

Unai Simón's performances are not limited to what he achieved with Spain. Before the recent break, Athletic Club put together a run of matches without conceding a goal, and his coach believes the goalkeeper was a key piece in that defensive solidity. That consistency in the daily work with the Bilbao club is another argument supporting his bid for the award.

A leader on and off the pitch at Athletic Club

Beyond his saves, Terzic wanted to highlight Simón's value on a human level. He described him as a fantastic goalkeeper and an incredible person, respected by all his teammates. He also emphasized his consistency: everything he demands from others, he first demands from himself. That combination of talent and character makes him, in his coach's view, a footballer destined to collect many more honors throughout his career.

The Yashin Trophy and the Ballon d'Or gala in London

On Monday, October 26, London will host the ceremony where the Ballon d'Or will be presented, along with the Yashin Trophy, created to recognize the best goalkeeper of the year. Unai Simón arrives backed by a remarkable year: World Cup champion with Spain, the tournament's unbeaten run record, and a solid season with Athletic Club. Terzic's words strengthen a candidacy that already carried significant weight in the predictions.

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Yashin Trophy awarded?

The Yashin Trophy will be presented on Monday, October 26 in London during the Ballon d'Or gala. It is the award that recognizes the best goalkeeper of the year.

What has Terzic said about Unai Simón?

The Athletic Club coach stated that Unai Simón is the best goalkeeper in the world right now and that nobody is above him. He also praised his value as a person and his leadership within the dressing room.

What achievements support Unai Simón's Yashin Trophy candidacy?

Unai Simón won the World Cup with Spain, broke the tournament's unbeaten run record, and kept several clean sheets with Athletic Club before the break. All of this places him among the strongest candidates for the award.

Based on reporting by Mundo Deportivo.