Better call Xavi

Stats correct as of 21 July 2025

Xavi Simons

Age: 22 (born 21 April 2003)
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Netherlands (28 caps/ five goals)

Key stats

Xavi's registered 18 goals and 27 assists across his two seasons in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, having initially joined the club on loan from PSG in summer 2023.

It's a continuation of his eye-catching form at PSV Eindhoven, where he spent the 2022/23 campaign, finishing as the Eredivisie's 19-goal joint-leading scorer, before being bought back by PSG and loaned to Leipzig.

Watch: The best of Xavi in the Bundesliga

Xavi's explosive form has translated into over 25 senior international caps for the Netherlands since debuting under former Bayern Munich head coach Louis van Gaal at the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

In January 2025, the 5'9" attacker signed a permanent deal with Leipzig through to 30 June 2027.

Plays a bit like: Jamal Musiala

Simons was born within two months of Jamal Musiala in spring 2003 and the similarities certainly don't end there. Like the Bayern midfield star, he loves nothing more than gliding towards an opposition defence with the ball at his feet - and is just as happy to play a sleek pass on the edge of the box as shoot himself. He can be deployed on the left like Musiala, and also shares a clinical touch for goal that is every bit as fine as his nimble play. 

Did you know?

Despite his Dutch and Surinamese heritage, the Leipzig No.10 is named after Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

His father, Regillio Simons - a former professional who played for NAC Breda and Willem II - was a big fan of the Barcelona midfielder strategist, whom Xavi also idolised in his youth.

Xavi's older brother was another Simons footballer, having turned out at amateur level in Germany and the Netherlands.

What they're saying

"He's just turned 19, but he's way beyond his age. He's going to do everything he can to make it to the top of the game." – ex-PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy in October 2022 

"Xavi Simons is a good lad. It's important that he has plays. He did a good job playing for PSV. He's a great player, and he'll be a great player (in future)." – Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman

"Xavi is a different player. He has shown that so far in the time he has been here. We connect really well on the pitch but he can also do things on his own. He has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well. He’s a really complete player and for us, for our system, for how we play, our ideas, the coaches’ ideas, it is perfect for us." - former Leipzig teammate Dani Olmo