Tottenham Hotspur fans are excited to welcome Xavi Simons, but behind the dazzling talent lies a player whose off-the-pitch life in Germany raised eyebrows. The Dutch international’s move from RB Leipzig to the Premier League promises Champions League nights and creativity in midfield, yet his reputation in the Bundesliga was far from perfect.
During his time in Leipzig, Simons earned the unflattering nickname “Princess” from his teammates. The label reflected a series of chaotic and sometimes bizarre episodes that made headlines and stirred unrest in the dressing room.
One infamous incident involved his dog, which was left unattended on a roof terrace while Simons was away on international duty. Concerned neighbours reportedly contemplated calling animal protection services before the club intervened. The episode left the player visibly shaken, to the point of breaking down in tears.
Another odd story saw a fire alarm set off at the Leipzig training ground, caused by his hairdresser using too much hairspray during a session. Then, during a trip to Brazil, Simons allegedly tried to steer the team bus into the favelas of São Paulo, a move prevented by club security. These quirky yet disruptive incidents gradually chipped away at his standing within the squad.
Inside the dressing room, the situation worsened as Leipzig struggled on the pitch. The team failed to qualify for European football, finishing seventh in the Bundesliga, and frustration boiled over. Teammates began mocking Simons, calling him “Princess” due to his constant complaints and visible dissatisfaction.
The tension carried into the summer, when Simons reportedly clashed with the club’s hierarchy. His criticism of the sporting director was seen as the final straw, confirming his exit was only a matter of time. In the end, his farewell to teammates came in the form of a short WhatsApp message, underlining the messy nature of his departure.
Now, Tottenham Hotspur offers him a fresh start. He will finally get the Champions League platform he craved, and the London club has secured one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders. The big question is whether his past controversies will remain in Germany or follow him into the Premier League spotlight.
If Spurs can harness his talent while keeping distractions at bay, Xavi Simons may well shine in England. But his chaotic Leipzig chapter is a reminder that his brilliance comes with baggage.
