Unai Simón is the goalkeeper everyone is talking about — and for good reason. He’s now gone 519 minutes without conceding a single goal at a World Cup - the longest streak in tournament history. Behind him sits a constellation of legends he has just surpassed, including Walter Zenga’s 517‑minute record. The milestone prompted José Ángel Iribar — the iconic “Txopo,” now 83 and one of Simón’s lifelong inspirations — to send him a heartfelt public congratulations through AS.

Simón, speaking from Dallas on the eve of Spain’s Round of 16 match against Portugal, admitted the tribute moved him. “It’s an honor. Few people leave a legacy like that,” he said with a smile. Then he added a message of his own: “We’re the best goalkeeper trio at this World Cup. Joan and David would’ve broken the record too, I’m sure.”

“Does this team feel like the one from the Euros?”

The Euros were almost perfect. Having that version of ourselves in mind is important. This World Cup has been more of a slow build — it took us a bit to adapt — but every day we’re getting closer to that level. And why not surpass it.

“Do you rely more on feelings or past matches?”

You need both. You have to focus on the game itself. We’re coming off strong performances, but we also remember Portugal beat us in the Nations League final. We need a huge match. Respect the opponent, but stay close to the level we showed at the Euros. And if we’re eliminated, let it be because they were better — not because we didn’t show up.

“You broke a historic streak. Does that make you optimistic?”

Winning against Austria helps. Expectations rise every time. Individually, we all need to keep improving. But this will be a different kind of match — head‑to‑head, intense. I hope it goes our way.

“Has Portugal evolved?”

Same coach, similar group. Their approach will be very similar to last time. We have to be ready. In Munich, their press was intense and we weren’t sharp. We’ve corrected things, and that will be key — along with keeping a clean sheet. The match will look a lot like that one.

“Portugal attacked heavily down the left in Munich. Can Lamine help more defensively?”

There’s nothing to convince him of. You all have a different image of him than we do. He helps a ton defensively. He runs, he defends, he’s often the first to win the ball back. That motivates the rest of us. He wants to do something big at this World Cup. Their left side is one of the most dangerous in the tournament.

“You said Cape Verde would surprise people…”

Everyone has their opinion. Against Cape Verde we had plenty of chances, same as Argentina. In a World Cup, you can have great players, but Cape Verde knows exactly how to defend and attack. That was my impression. Sometimes we don’t know their players well, and that shapes how people think.

“Iribar congratulated you. What does that mean?”

(Smiles) The club passed it on to me. For everyone at Athletic, Ángel is the best. Number one. It’s an honor. But what matters is the work behind what he’s done — what he still does — always present, always helping young players. Football is what he represents. Time passes and football forgets people, but leaving a legacy is what matters. I don’t think many at 80‑plus could do what he’s done. Few leave a mark like that.

“People seem to be discovering Cubarsí…”

Whether people value him more or less doesn’t matter. I know what Pau, Lamine… all of them are worth. It shocks me they’re 18 or 19. They take on responsibility with incredible maturity. The coach knows their value. It’s key for having a great World Cup.

“Prediction for the final?”

No. I haven’t watched enough. If I were Maldini, maybe. But I have enough on my plate with Portugal.

“How do you manage workload during a World Cup?”

You need different workloads for different players. Listening to the player is crucial. Yesterday was recovery; today was more player‑choice. Travel, soreness… recovery is never 100%. Letting players choose helps them pace themselves. We reach the right place together — experience and communication.

“Do you think about things like Cristiano’s ‘last dance’?”

I don’t think it’ll be Cristiano’s last dance. What matters is focusing on the game. That’s the key — focus on what’s in front of you. I try not to think about anything outside the field.

“Is there an anti‑Cristiano plan?”

Cristiano now isn’t the Cristiano from six or seven years ago at Real Madrid, but you still want him as far from the box as possible. In the Nations League final, he scored with one touch. That killer instinct is enviable. We want the ball and we want him far from our area.

“This World Cup has been huge for goalkeepers…”

There are always keepers who shine — like Vozinha. And sharing this tournament with Memo Ochoa is an honor. It shows how important the position is, even if it’s sometimes unfair. We’re the villains: when we lose, we’re blamed; when we win, the forwards get the headlines. I hope to keep building my story here.

“Does having so little work affect you? Only three shots on target so far…”

(Smiles) I’d love to reach the final without facing a shot. You have to stay focused, but the confidence is there. Every match is different. I focus on that. If they shoot more or less, I hope we keep this defensive level. And if they score three, I hope we score four.

“How do you see Mexico–England?”

I haven’t watched Mexico. England, yes. We’ll watch it, but I don’t know what to expect. England is strong, Mexico hasn’t conceded. That says a lot about their defensive solidity, and they’re at home. It should be a great match for fans.

“You’ve said Cristiano is hard to read…”

In the box, he creates his own space. I don’t know how to control him. With his experience, he knows exactly what to do. If he steps into the box, he’s dangerous. He loves the penalty spot, he loves the near post. He reads everything perfectly. You want him as far away as possible.

“What made you realize the value of the record?”

The record says more about the team than about me. My name is on the headlines, but the team should be proud. Only three shots on target — that’s possession, control. It’s all part of the work. These days helped me appreciate the team’s defensive effort.

“How’s life with David and Joan?”

Grimaldo is a great example. He hasn’t played a minute, but he trains like crazy. Same with Joan and David. Their human values are incredible. They’d love not to have to train the next day, but they give everything. That’s the key — whoever plays pushes the one who plays.

“How do you manage the goalkeeper situation?”

As long as people speak positively about the three of us, those debates don’t affect me. I’m sure we’re the best goalkeeper trio at the World Cup. The coach is totally calm. And David and Joan would’ve broken the record too. Those debates are good. Day‑to‑day, training hard, giving everything — that’s what matters.

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