Unai Simón has undoubtedly been one of the key figures for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, playing a decisive role in the team’s run to the final. The goalkeeper made history by setting a clean-sheet record during the tournament, going more than 500 minutes without conceding before that streak ended against Belgium.
With his low-profile personality and tendency to stay out of the spotlight, he has sparked plenty of curiosity among supporters. Here’s a closer look at where Unai Simón lives and the village in Zamora linked to his family roots.
Where does Unai Simón live?
Unai Simón continues to guard the goal for Athletic Club de Bilbao, so he is based in the area around the Biscay capital. He is originally from Murguía, a village within the municipality of Zuya in the province of Álava. It was here that he first began playing football.
Murguía has around 1,000 residents and a strong cycling tradition. In fact, the well-known cyclist Mikel Landa also comes from the same village as Simón. It is roughly 40 minutes away from Bilbao.
The village behind Unai Simón’s roots
Although he was born in the Basque Country, Unai Simón’s family roots lie in Castile and León, specifically in San Marcial del Vino, a small village in the province of Zamora, where his father and paternal grandparents are from.
This settlement, which forms part of the municipality of El Perdigón in the Tierra del Vino comarca, is where his grandparents live. It has only about 100 residents and sits a few kilometres outside the city of Zamora.
Which teams has Unai Simón played for?
Unai Simón’s professional career began in the youth ranks of Athletic Club, where he arrived after spells at AD Zuya and Aurrera Vitoria. His ability saw him rise steadily through the system, though the turning point came in the summer of 2018.
Still a young prospect at the time, he was sent on loan to Elche, although he never made an appearance for the club. Injuries and absences in Athletic’s goalkeeping line-up led to him being recalled just 20 days after signing. Back in Bilbao, Simón was chosen as first-choice goalkeeper and quickly impressed with his performances.
For the Spanish national team, he made his debut in 2020 under Luis Enrique and has since become the main option in goal for La Roja. The Murguía-born keeper has lifted a Nations League title and a European Championship with Spain, and now can take part of the credit for Spain's win of the 2026 World Cup trophy.
Unai Simón’s family and partner
The son of a Guardia Civil officer and an ertzaina (a member of the Basque police force), Unai Simón maintains a close bond with his family. It is known that he has a partner, although her identity has not been made public. The goalkeeper has always kept his life well away from media attention and is one of the few footballers who does not have social media accounts.
As a personal detail, the 1.90-metre, 88-kilogram goalkeeper began studying physiotherapy before later leaving the course to start a degree in ADE (Administración y Dirección de Empresas, Business Administration and Management).
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