Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper Kata Cole won the award for the best women's soccer goalkeeper of the year at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Also, Unai Simon, goalkeeper of Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team, won the award for the best male goalkeeper of the year. After receiving the award, Kata Cole said: "It is a great honor to be present at this ceremony and to share this stage with another Spaniard, Unai Simon. There is no higher honor than that. He said: “I thank my national team for giving me this opportunity to represent my country and become a better player. Maybe it's a personal award, but they always say that without everyone involved in this way, it's impossible to achieve such success." Unai Simon also said: “Well done Kata [Cole]. It is truly a great honor for me to be here tonight. This award would not have been possible without everyone I have to thank. I thank my parents and brother for raising me with these principles and values." He said: "I know that the football world is very noisy and he [his wife] gives peace to my life."

Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper Kata Cole won the award for the best women's soccer goalkeeper of the year at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Also, Unai Simon, goalkeeper of Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team, won the award for the best male goalkeeper of the year. After receiving the award, Kata Cole said: "It is a great honor to be present at this ceremony and to share this stage with another Spaniard, Unai Simon. There is no higher honor than that. He said: “I thank my national team for giving me this opportunity to represent my country and become a better player. Maybe it's a personal award, but they always say that without everyone involved in this way, it's impossible to achieve such success." Unai Simon also said: “Well done Kata [Cole]. It is truly a great honor for me to be here tonight. This award would not have been possible without everyone I have to thank. I thank my parents and brother for raising me with these principles and values." He said: "I know that the football world is very noisy and he [his wife] gives peace to my life."