Spain’s goalkeeper #23 Unai Simon grabs the ball during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has written his name into FIFA World Cup history after moving into joint third on the tournament’s all-time clean-sheet rankings.
The 29-year-old kept his eighth World Cup clean sheet as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, booking their place in Sunday’s final.
Simon has now recorded eight clean sheets in just 11 World Cup appearances, joining an elite group of legendary goalkeepers that includes Jan Jongbloed, Leão, Sepp Maier, Taffarel, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris.
Only two goalkeepers have kept more clean sheets at the World Cup than the Athletic Bilbao star. France’s Fabien Barthez and England legend Peter Shilton jointly hold the record with 10 clean sheets, both achieved in 17 appearances.
