Spain’s Unai Simón and Cata Coll have won the men’s and women’s goalkeeper of the year awards at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, giving Spanish football a double triumph.

Simón, who plays for Athletic Bilbao and Spain’s national team, claimed the men’s Yashin Trophy, while Coll, Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, won the women’s award at Monday’s ceremony.

The recognition adds to Simón’s growing list of achievements. He won LaLiga’s Zamora Trophy in the 2023–24 season for his outstanding goals-conceded record and played a key role in Spain’s triumph at the 2024 European Championship. He had also finished runner-up in the 2024 Yashin Trophy voting.

Speaking after receiving his award, Simón described the honour as a reflection of the support he had received throughout his career.

He thanked his parents and brother for raising him with the principles and values that continue to guide him, while also acknowledging the role of his partner in providing stability in his personal life.

“I know that this is a very chaotic world and she brings some tranquillity to me,” he said.

Coll, meanwhile, expressed delight at winning the women’s award and sharing the stage with her compatriot.

The Barcelona goalkeeper thanked Spain’s national team for giving her the opportunity to represent her country and helping her improve as a player.

“This may be an individual prize, but they always say you can’t achieve these successes without everyone else involved,” Coll said, emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving individual recognition.

Her remarks reflected the collective effort behind goalkeeping success, a position where performances often depend on defensive organisation, communication and coordination with teammates.

The awards underline Spain’s strength in the men’s and women’s games, with Simón and Coll recognised for their contributions at club and international levels.

The Yashin Trophy, named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, was introduced in 2019 to recognise the world’s best male goalkeeper. The women’s goalkeeper award provides equivalent recognition in the women’s game.