Unai Simón is a Spanish goalkeeper who plays for Athletic Bilbao. At 28, he remains part of Spain's wider 2026 picture because he brings shot-stopping, command of the box, and calm distribution at both club and international level.
Unai Simon Mendibil was born on 11 June 1997 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. He plays in La Liga and has 56 senior caps for Spain. His current role is easier to understand through reliability and tactical fit than through headline numbers alone.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Unai Simón was born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, where his football development began before he moved into more structured academy football.
His route into senior football was steady rather than sudden. Early development laid the base for the positional discipline and match control that later defined his game.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
He joined Athletic Bilbao's youth system in 2011 from Aurrerá Vitoria, lodging with a family in the Bilbao area.
On 10 November 2023, in "one of his best moments as a professional", he saved a penalty from Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas to keep the score level in a game his team went on to win.
Current club and recent form
He has been with Athletic Bilbao since 2018, and recent market tracking places him at around €25.00 million. Even without a major transfer story around him right now, that profile suggests a player who still holds clear value for his club.
At club level, his recent form should be read in context. For a goalkeeper, influence is not always captured by simple goals-and-assists numbers, because the role can be built around structure, control, or defensive work.
Unai Simón - Stats and Performance
Unai Simón's current season with Ath Bilbao shows 28 appearances, 65.8 goals, and 5 assists in LaLiga. For a goalkeeper, the appearance total matters far more than the attacking return, because selection and continuity tell the clearest story about his standing.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Ath Bilbao | 28 | 65.8 | 5 |
The safest reading is that Ath Bilbao have trusted him regularly in LaLiga, and the 28 appearances are the strongest indicator of current value. The goal and assist return adds context, but role security and match rhythm matter more here.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 56 caps and 0 goals for Spain in currently tracked records. That gives him a real place in the national-team conversation, even if the exact role can change from one camp to the next.
For 2026, selection will still depend on form, fitness, and how Spain want to build their squad balance. Players who understand their role and execute it cleanly usually stay in the picture longer, and that is the strongest argument in his favor.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 56 | 0 | Spain senior squad involvement |
International football usually rewards trust, clarity, and tactical discipline. That is why his national-team outlook still depends as much on role fit as on headline form.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Unai Simón plays as a goalkeeper and is valued for shot-stopping, command of the box, and calm distribution. He is at his best when the game asks for clear decisions, disciplined movement, and enough technical quality to keep his role stable under pressure.
The exact shape of his role can shift from match to match. Sometimes the priority is control, sometimes recovery work, and sometimes more direct involvement in transitions, but the common thread is tactical usefulness rather than unnecessary risk.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Unai Simon Mendibil |
| Date of birth | 11 June 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Nationality | Spain |
| Height | 192 cm |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Athletic Bilbao |
| Jersey number | 1 |
| Weekly salary | $93,160 gross (estimated) |
| Estimated net worth | €15.0 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Athletic Bilbao as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2018. Recent market-value tracking places him at about €25.00 million.
Unless a new official move is confirmed, the safest reading is that he remains tied to his current club. For players in his position, market value is usually shaped by age, recent usage, contract situation, and how well the profile fits different league styles.
Salary and Net Worth
Current salary estimates place Unai Simón at about $93,160 gross (estimated) per week at Athletic Bilbao. That works out to roughly $4,844,320 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around €15.0 million.
FAQs
How old is Unai Simón and what is his nationality?
Unai Simón is 28 years old and he represents Spain.
Which club does Unai Simón play for now?
He currently plays for Athletic Bilbao.
What position does Unai Simón play?
He plays as a goalkeeper.
Is Unai Simón part of Spain's national-team picture?
Yes. With 56 caps currently listed, he remains part of Spain's wider selection picture.
What is Unai Simón salary and market value?
Salary: $93,160 gross (estimated). Market value: €25.00 million.
Conclusion
Unai Simón remains a useful player to track because his profile is built on role value, tactical fit, and experience rather than empty noise. That usually keeps a player relevant for longer, especially in a national-team setup that values clarity.
If he holds his place at Athletic Bilbao, he should stay in Spain's 2026 conversation. The exact role may change from one window to the next, but the overall picture is stable.