How many penalties has Unai Simón saved? The Spanish goalkeeper’s success rate
Here’s a look at Unai Simón’s penalty record.
Spain are aiming to continue their progress at this World Cup. Luis de la Fuente’s side have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, keeping a clean sheet in all four matches they have played, underlining the national team’s defensive solidity.
As in any knockout match, if the score remains level after 120 minutes, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout. That is when a goalkeeper’s ability to save spot kicks can prove decisive and help their team reach the next round.
The Athletic Club goalkeeper is Spain’s undisputed first choice at this World Cup. Unai Simón made his debut for La Roja in the 2020 Nations League and has since earned 61 senior international caps.
Across his professional career, Unai Simón has saved 8 of the 45 penalties he has faced during normal and extra time, giving him a save rate of 17.8%.
His record in penalty shootouts is even more impressive. Simón has saved eight of the 22 penalties he has faced in shootouts, giving him a save rate of 36.4%. On three occasions, he has made two saves in a single shootout, demonstrating his reliability in high-pressure situations. The most recent shootout of his career came in the 2023 Nations League final against Croatia, when he saved two of the six penalties he faced to help Spain lift the trophy.
| Match | Opponent | Pens faced | Pens saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa del Rey 20-21 - Quarterfinals | Betis | 3 | 2 |
| Euro 2021 - Quarterfinals | Switzerland | 4 | 2 |
| Euro 2021 - Semifinals | Italy | 5 | 1 |
| World Cup 2022 - Round of 16 | Morocco | 4 | 1 |
| Nations League 2023 | Croatia | 6 | 2 |
Related stories
WAGs of the Spanish national team
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment