Spain and Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón has been named the world’s best goalkeeper at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in London on Monday.

Simón secured the prestigious honour after emerging ahead of nine other nominees, including Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Barcelona’s Joan García, Arsenal’s David Raya and Paris Saint-Germain’s Matvei Safonov.

The other contenders were Morocco and Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez of Chelsea, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy of Al-Ahli and Cape Verde’s Vozinha of Colo-Colo.

Simón’s outstanding displays at the 2026 FIFA World Cup played a crucial role in earning him the recognition, having been Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the competition.

He further underlined his quality by winning the World Cup Golden Glove award after conceding just one goal across eight matches.