A pro footballer stunned passengers when he boarded an economy flight to pick up his Ballon d’Or prize for being the world’s best goalkeeper.
Unai Simón boarded the commercial Vueling flight from Bilbao to London instead of taking a private jet.
The 29-year-old Athletic Club shot stopper sat among ordinary passengers in the front rows as he headed for the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium.
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Simon, the Basque-born national team goalkeeper, travelled with his parents, brother, girlfriend and the club’s director of football Mikel González.
Vueling cabin crew interrupted the flight with a personal public-address message wishing him luck for the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper.
They told him a special night awaited after years of work, effort and dedication, noting every save is built on hours of training and sacrifice.
The announcement closed with the Basque phrase “Zorte on, Unai” – meaning ‘Good luck, Unai’ – from the entire crew, followed by passenger applause and chants.
Simon removed his headphones, listened and smiled as the tribute continued on the Vueling flight.
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On arrival, he told reporters the bookies calling him favourite “didn’t mean anything” and that it is always a privilege just to be among the 10 nominees.
He added he felt “a bit strange” with the cameras because he is “not used to being followed”.
Simon was a clear favourite after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup, where he conceded just one goal in eight matches and claimed the Golden Glove.
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The Spaniard had finished runner-up for the same award two seasons earlier, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Simon later collected the Yashin Trophy on stage, becoming the first Spaniard to win it.
In his speech, he thanked family, his girlfriend as an “oasis of calm”, childhood friends, coaches, teammates and Athletic Club.
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