Unai Simon claimed the prestigious Yashin Trophy at Monday’s Ballon d'Or ceremony, but statistics have cast doubt on the legitimacy of this choice, with Arsenal's David Raya stepping into the limelight.
In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Raya conceded just 26 goals, recorded 19 clean sheets, and achieved a remarkable 70 percent save rate while playing for title-challengers Arsenal.
In stark contrast, Simon's stats in La Liga during the same period paint a different picture: he let in 54 goals, managed a mere six clean sheets, and recorded a 65 percent save rate with Atletico. When looking at consistency, workload, and reliability over a full club season, Raya's figures certainly appear far superior.
However, Simon’s victory is built on his international success. At the 2026 World Cup, he was instrumental in helping Spain lift the trophy, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament and setting a record for the longest clean sheet streak in the event’s history—650 minutes without conceding. He also earned the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
The Yashin Trophy traditionally takes into account standout individual performances, team achievements, and overall quality, where triumphs at major international tournaments historically weigh heavily. The jury's voting placed Simon first, with Raya in second, highlighting the split between a goalkeeper's consistent club performance and international glory.
