Unai Simon and Cata Coll named best goalkeepers of 2026

During the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony held in London, Spanish goalkeepers Unai Simon and Cata Coll were officially awarded the titles of Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively. The accolades recognize their outstanding performances throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Unai Simon, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, received the award following his significant contribution to the Spanish national team's victory at the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America. His performance throughout the tournament was identified by the award committee as a decisive factor in his selection. Cata Coll was simultaneously honored with the corresponding award in the women's category, further solidifying Spain's prominent influence in global football achievements this year.

The awards represent a continuation of a successful period for Spanish football, as individual players from the country continue to dominate major international ceremonies. These honors underline the effectiveness of the current Spanish training systems in producing top-tier goalkeepers for both domestic and international competition.