Unai Simón has revealed the unexpected gesture of camaraderie he received from Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez after the 2026 World Cup final. The Spain national team goalkeeper explained that the Argentine shot-stopper approached to congratulate him after the decisive match, an act that changed his view of the world champion.
Simón, who received the Yashin Award at the latest Ballon d'Or ceremony, gave an interview to Athletic Club's official channels. In it, the 29-year-old keeper detailed his encounter with the 34-year-old Martínez after the final whistle. "Me gustó mucho que en la final del Mundial vino, me felicitó, me dio un abrazo, me dio la enhorabuena y me dijo unas palabras," said Simón. This moment of sportsmanship contrasts with the image of extreme competitiveness that Martínez projects on the pitch.
A changed perspective
The Spanish goalkeeper also analysed the technical qualities of his Argentine counterpart. "El Dibu es un portero muy diferente a mí. Por su físico, por sus condiciones, para muchísimo." described Simón. This assessment comes at a time of great form for the Spanish national team, which is on a four-game winning streak, the latest a 1-2 win over Croatia on October 6th with a brace from Mikel Merino.
Luis de la Fuente's team now prepares for its next commitment, an away match against the Czech Republic on November 12th. This fixture is part of the national squad's preparation, arriving with high morale after a run of positive results that includes wins over England, Croatia, the Czechs themselves, and Croatia again.
Mikel Oyarzabal is currently the top scorer for the national team this season, with five goals in eight appearances. The upcoming clash against the Czechs will be another test for a team that has scored ten goals in its last four matches. The last victory over Croatia, with goals from Merino in the 61st and 88th minutes, demonstrated the team's ability to react. Argentine goalkeeper Martínez, meanwhile, is recovering from a double jaw fracture suffered in October 2023 while playing for Chelsea, an injury that required surgery with a plate and four screws. His recovery was closely monitored by the London club's technical staff. The Spanish national team faces its next appointment on November 12th with the confidence brought by four consecutive wins.
The original report is at Infobae
