Xavi Simons recently appeared on The Wayne Rooney Show in a special episode titled “Wayne Meets… Xavi Simons: What It’s REALLY Like Being a Wonderkid” (Episode 31).
This in-depth interview was recorded at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground, where Wayne Rooney, along with co-hosts Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd, spoke with the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. Simons, who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig in a £51.8m deal in August 2025, opened up about:
His journey as a child prodigy (gaining 2 million Instagram followers at age 12 while at Barcelona’s La Masia).
Dealing with early fame and pressure.
Key career moves: from Barcelona to PSG (at 16), PSV, Leipzig, and now Tottenham.
Being mentored by Neymar at PSG.
The influence of Ruud van Nistelrooy (at PSV).
His excitement for the Premier League and proving himself in “the best league in the world.”
Facing a “challenging period” in his career for the first time.
They also discussed shared experiences as hyped young talents, with Rooney sharing stories from his own career.
On moving to the Premier League and Tottenham:
“I wanted to play in the best league in the world and prove to myself I could do it.”
Playing in the Premier League has “always been the objective.”
On his current form and challenges:
He admitted to facing “a challenging period” for the first time in his career (referring to adaptation struggles at Tottenham after his £51.8m move from RB Leipzig).
On his mentality and influences:
“The mentality I have is because of my mum.” (When asked about maintaining a strong mindset from a young age amid early hype.)
On mentors and past experiences:
Simons discussed being mentored by Neymar at PSG, describing walking into a dressing room with stars like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Marco Verratti at age 16, and how Neymar became a key mentor figure.
He highlighted the positive influence of Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time at PSV.
Wayne Rooney’s thoughts on Simons:
“I was really impressed with him… his determination he has had at the different clubs he has been at, it was a really good insight and a good chat we had with him.”
