Xavi Simons revealed that leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 16 was an easy decision, as the LaLiga club did not believe in him.
Simons was a youth player at Barca before making the switch to PSG in 2019 and making his senior debut for the French club in the 2020-21 season.
The Netherlands international enjoyed positive loan spells with PSV and RB Leipzig, and joined the latter on a permanent deal in 2024-25.
During his two seasons with Leipzig (including a loan spell), only Florian Wirtz (44) directly contributed to more goals among Bundesliga midfielders than Simons (36 – 18 goals, 18 assists).
The 23-year-old joined Tottenham last season, though he missed the run-in and the 2026 World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in April.
Barca are known for producing plenty of talented youngsters, though Simons was not scared to leave the Spanish giants.
"It was clear from their side that they didn't believe in me," Simons told The Sports Agents.
"At that time, I chose not to speak because I was only focused on the pitch, but they told me, 'We have other players we believe in and want to offer you a contract, but you're not one of the players who are truly part of the project'.
"I've been there my whole life. I've been through different situations, I've experienced everything there, my entire childhood was there, so I love the club.
"Everything that came out hurt me and my family too. They simply preferred other boys at that time. And that's fine.
"I had PSG with a really big project at 16 years old, training with the best players in the world, so the decision was easy."
Vembdikosu
1
can't even leave a club anymore without getting insulted Barca fans get pressed too easily
iam_everywhere2
0
And it almost got you into the second division
Sotbcmprtu
2
where did the best decision land you? in Tottenham
doubceprsu
0
yea. money turn your head
Messi4everGOAT
0
Barcelona to Simons : same feeling here too
AFerkbvn4476
1
PSG was, is no where near Barca. He is spitting bullsh*t just for sympathy & return to Barca.Barca had MSN at that time. When Neymar, he also left thinking he will do better at PSG. I think he is making himself relevant through these interviews.
AFerkbvn4476
2
Everyone at Barca believed in Xavi simmons and has considered him the heir to Messi but succes, fane & money at such a young age gets into his mind and decided to leave Barca for PSG for money. He thought he is way bigger than messi and all players playing in that Barca during Luis Enrique & MSN era. He never waited for it despite there was efforts for him to stay at Barca. 2nd wasted talent of the century after Neymar in my opinion.
Jehbcelotz
4
Learning you’re a disposable product at the age of 16. Professional Football is great.
SGTSingam
1
Not to get hard feelings Simmons, your time wasn't at a peak period with Barcelona. By the way, your comment is unacceptable though. Barcelona is highly praised too for producing dozens of multi talented footballers