Mikel Oyarzabal, a 27-year-old central forward for Real Sociedad who has been with the club for 9 years since joining in 2015, became the quiet hero of the Spanish national team when he came off the bench to score the decisive goal that secured the European Championship title.
Born in Eibar, a modest and charming small football town in Spain, Mikel began his football journey at the academy of the local club, also named Eibar. He trained and played there until 2011, when he was spotted by Real Sociedad. Soon after, his transfer to the bigger club was arranged, with Real Sociedad purchasing his rights and contract, but keeping him on loan at Eibar until 2014.
He completed his studies at the University of Deusto, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management while playing for Real Sociedad. During his student days, he shared an apartment with three other students, and with his first professional football salary, he took his girlfriend, Ainhoa Larauri, out to dinner.
Unusually for a footballer, Mikel is an avid reader. After morning training sessions, he spends his day with a book in hand. “I understand that in life, you need a backup plan, something apart from football. You never know what might happen,” Oyarzabal said in 2018.
Mikel made his debut for Real Sociedad in 2015, scoring his first goal against Espanyol. One of the most memorable moments early in his career as a central forward came when he scored the winning goal against Barcelona in April 2016.
The next morning, “Marca” featured the headline “The Basque who overshadowed Neymar.”
When rumors first emerged about Barcelona’s interest in him, Oyarzabal addressed the media directly, denying the speculation: “I only dream of playing for Sociedad and becoming its captain. That’s my dream. I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re expecting something impossible,” he told reporters in response to the transfer rumors linking him to Barcelona.
His best friend, both on and off the field, is Unai Simon from rival club Athletic Bilbao. Despite their rivalry, the two enjoy teasing each other when they’re with the Spanish national team and off the pitch. They also regularly play chess together.
Oyarzabal became the youngest captain in Real Sociedad’s history, wearing the armband for the first time in 2018 against Huesca. A month after Sociedad’s local legend Xabi Prieto retired, Prieto himself named Mikel Oyarzabal as his successor.
Though originally a central forward, Oyarzabal excelled as a left winger in 2019, his new position in the team. He even caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, who wanted to bring him to Manchester City, but Mikel wasn’t ready for such a move and chose to stay with Sociedad, while Ferran Torres went to City.
At one point, doctors warned Oyarzabal that any further injury could end his career. In 2022, disaster struck when he tore his ligaments during training, causing him to miss an entire season and leaving him with significant challenges.
During this difficult time, he battled depression, faced tough moments, and even contemplated retiring. The ligament injury had such a profound psychological impact on him that he was afraid to chase after the ball. “I’ll recover for two years, and then we’ll see,” the Real Sociedad captain said.
However, in 2023, he made a comeback, regaining his form and playing at a high level once more. Although he had some minor injuries, he started to rediscover his love for the game. Real Sociedad has always relied on a high-intensity pressing style, and Mikel couldn’t afford to lag behind physically. At one point, he considered a transfer to another club, but Sociedad firmly rejected the idea and arranged for him to work with a personal psychologist.
The turning point for Oyarzabal came under the guidance of Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, who worked wonders with the team. Initially, Mikel wasn’t even in the starting lineup, but the coach changed his position, effectively saving his career. Oyarzabal was moved from the left wing to a central role, where he was relieved of defensive duties, which greatly benefited him.
This allowed him to focus entirely on organizing Sociedad’s attacks. “He teaches us all valuable lessons. Everyone is proud that Oyarzabal represents San Sebastián on the world stage,” said Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe.
Now, the pride in him is even greater after his match-winning goal in the European Championship final—a dream come true for any footballer. Mikel Oyarzabal has written a new chapter in Spanish football history with his golden goal, securing Spain’s record fourth European title.
