Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish forward who plays for Real Sociedad. He also the captains them, and the Spain national team. He was born on April 21, 1997.
He’s spent his entire professional career at Real Sociedad. He’s made over 400 appearances for the club and scored more than 130 goals. He won the Copa del Rey with the club twice, in 2019-20 and 2025-26, and scored in both finals.
Oyarzabal made his senior debut for Spain in 2016. He’s played in two European Championships and the 2026 World Cup. He was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, and he scored the decisive goal in the final.
At the 2026 World Cup, he had an unusual start. He became the first player on record (since 1966) to not touch the ball in the first 30 minutes of a World Cup match against Cape Verde. But he bounced back in the next game against Saudi Arabia, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 4-0 win.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mikel Oyarzabal
Was a Medal-Winning Swimmer
Mikel Oyarzabal was a talented swimmer who won medals in the sport. He also practiced judo, a martial art his father did. He showed he was a multi-sport athlete from a young age. He is a sportsmen who could have succeeded in multiple disciplines.
University Graduate in Business
It’s rare for top footballers to complete a university degree, but Mikel Oyarzabal did. He earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Deusto, balancing his studies with his burgeoning football career. He said it was a “good way to disconnect from football.” A footballer with a head for numbers.
A True ‘One-Club Man’
In an era of frequent transfers, Mikel Oyarzabal is a rarity. He joined Real Sociedad’s youth academy at 14 and has been with the club ever since, making his first-team debut at 18. He has turned down approaches from Athletic Club on three separate occasions to remain loyal to La Real.
100% Scoring Record in Finals
Oyarzabal has earned the nickname “king of finals” for a remarkable reason: he has scored in every single final he has ever played in. This includes two Copa del Rey finals, two UEFA Nations League finals, the Olympic soccer final, and the Euro 2024 final. A man who delivers when it matters most.
Missed the 2022 World Cup Due to Injury
Oyarzabal’s World Cup debut in 2026 was a long time coming. He was set to be a key player for Spain in Qatar 2022, but a severe ACL rupture in his left knee in March 2022 sidelined him for nearly a year and forced him to miss the tournament. A cruel setback that delayed his global stage arrival.
Obsessive Competitive Streak as a Child
His will to win was so strong as a kid that he once injured his knee on a manhole cover while chasing a ball in the playground because he “wanted to win at everything.” His childhood friend recalled that nothing could stop him if a ball was involved. A winner from the very beginning.
Shared a Student Flat While Breaking Through
To stay grounded while rising through the ranks at Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal shared a four-bedroom student flat in San Sebastián with friends from his university course. His flatmates were a crucial support network that helped him balance football and his studies. A humble start among friends.
Teammates Once Locked Him Out at 4 AM
While living in that student flat, his friends once accidentally left the door bolted after he was away for a Copa del Rey match. Arriving back in the early hours, he couldn’t get in and had to call a friend and go sleep at another house at 4 AM. A funny memory from his student days.
Real Sociedad’s Second-Highest Goalscorer Ever
With over a decade at the club, Oyarzabal has cemented his legacy in the history books. He has scored over 130 goals for Real Sociedad, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the club’s history, behind only the legendary Jesús María Satrústegui. A true club icon.
Scored 2 Goals at the 2026 World Cup
Mikel Oyarzabal made World Cup history against Saudi Arabia. He scored two quick goals in just three minutes. His goals came in the 21st and 24th minutes of the match. He also helped set up another goal. This made him the fastest player to get two goals and an assist in a World Cup game.
FAQs
Q. Which club does Mikel Oyarzabal play for?
A. Mikel Oyarzabal plays for Real Sociedad.
Q. Which national team does Mikel Oyarzabal represent?
A. Oyarzabal represents Spain.
Q. What major international trophy did Oyarzabal win with Spain?
A. Oyarzabal won UEFA Euro 2024 and scored the winning goal in the final.
Q. How many appearances has Oyarzabal made for Real Sociedad?
A. Oyarzabal has made over 400 appearances for the club.
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