Meet Xavi Simons’ Parents: Regillio Simons and Peggy Simons

Xavi Simons is a Dutch professional footballer making headlines as a dynamic attacking midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RB Leipzig (on loan).

Known for his skill, vision, and creativity on the field, Xavi’s story is as inspiring off the pitch as it is on it.

Born on April 21, 2003, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Xavi Simons comes from a rich Surinamese-Dutch heritage. He was named after Spanish football legend Xavi Hernandez by his mother, Peggy Simons, a passionate football fan. His father, Regillio Simons, is a former professional footballer and coach, laying the foundation for Xavi’s early love for the game.

Raised in a football-focused family, Xavi has two siblings — an older brother, Faustino Simons, who plays for PSV Eindhoven’s Amateur Team, and a younger sister named Kenza Simons.

After the family relocated to Rojales, Spain, Xavi began playing football at the age of three and joined CD Thader. At just seven years old, he entered the world-renowned La Masia academy at FC Barcelona, where he developed the technical skills and football intelligence that now define his game.

While details about his formal education remain private, Xavi’s early and intense focus on football is well-documented. By his teenage years, he had earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain, making his professional debut in 2021, and has continued to grow his presence with successful loan spells, including his time at RB Leipzig.

Privately, Xavi Simons is a Christian, although he keeps most aspects of his personal faith private. Behind his impressive rise is a strong support system led by his parents, Regillio and Peggy, who have guided him with love, discipline, and belief in his dreams.

Regillio Simons

Regillio Simons, born on June 28, 1973, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a former professional footballer of Surinamese descent who carved out a respectable career as a striker in the Dutch leagues and briefly in Japan.

His playing days saw him represent clubs such as Telstar, Fortuna Sittard, NAC Breda, Willem II, ADO Den Haag, and Kyoto Purple Sanga. Notably, during the 1998–99 season with Fortuna Sittard, Regillio made headlines by scoring twice in a 3–1 victory over Ajax and four goals in a 6–4 win against PSV Eindhoven.

After retiring in 2005, Regillio transitioned into coaching, earning his UEFA Pro Licence in 2010. He has since managed several clubs, including Ajax’s youth academy, and in 2023, he took the helm as head coach of FC Volendam’s under-21 team, later managing the first team in 2024.

Regillio’s footballing background provided a strong foundation for Xavi, who was introduced to the sport at a tender age. As a mentor, Regillio nurtured Xavi’s skills, enrolling him at CD Thader in Spain at age three and later facilitating his move to Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy in 2010.

Regillio’s influence extends beyond technical training. His disciplined approach and passion for the game have shaped Xavi’s work ethic and determination. Xavi himself has acknowledged his father’s role, noting how Regillio’s guidance helped him navigate the competitive world of professional football.

Peggy Simons

While Regillio provided the footballing blueprint, Peggy Simons has been the emotional backbone of Xavi’s journey. Unlike her husband, Peggy maintains a low profile, with little public information about her personal life.

However, her impact on Xavi’s career is undeniable. A lifelong football enthusiast, Peggy played the sport in her youth, and her love for the game influenced her decision to name her son after Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

In a 2023 interview with Dutch magazine Helden, Xavi revealed the story behind his name: shortly after his birth, Peggy was watching a Barcelona match and heard the name “Xavi.” Inspired, she decided it was perfect for her newborn son. This choice proved prophetic, as Xavi would later join Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where he honed his skills alongside future stars like Pablo Gavi.

Peggy’s support goes beyond naming. She has been a constant presence in Xavi’s life, cheering him on through every milestone, from his youth career at Barcelona to his senior debut with PSG in 2021. Xavi credits his mother and older brother, Faustino, as the two most important people in his life, emphasizing Peggy’s sacrifices, including times when she prioritized feeding her children over herself, despite modest family circumstances in Spain.

Xavi’s decision to go by “Xavi” on his jersey, dropping “Simons” after his first year at PSG, was a tribute to his mother, as he aims to make her proud with every performance.