Mikel Oyarzabal

Mikel Oyarzabal Ugarte was born on April 21, 1997, in Eibar, Basque Country, Spain. He started his football journey at a young age, displaying great talent and passion for the game. His early years in football were spent honing his skills and competing in local youth leagues, which set the foundation for his professional career.

Mikel Oyarzabal made his debut for the Real Sociedad first team on February 20, 2016, against Levante UD in La Liga. Coming through the youth ranks, he impressed with his versatility and skill, which earned him a place in the senior squad. His debut marked the beginning of a promising career with the club, where he has since become a key player.

Oyarzabal made his debut for the Spain national team on October 7, 2016, in a World Cup Qualifier against Italy. Despite being a young player, his talent was recognized on the international stage, and he was called up to represent his country. Over time, he has become a regular fixture in the national squad, participating in major competitions like Euro 2020.

On May 25, 2019, Mikel Oyarzabal played in the Copa del Rey final with Real Sociedad. Although they did not win, his participation in this major final demonstrated his influence and contribution to the team's successes. His performances in cup competitions are critical for Real Sociedad's domestic success.

On September 6, 2020, Oyarzabal scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 victory against Ukraine in the Nations League group stage. This performance further solidified his role as an impactful player for the national team, being crucial in securing victories in important international matches.

Mikel Oyarzabal played a crucial role in Real Sociedad's victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on April 3, 2021. He scored the only goal of the match from a penalty, leading his team to a historic win against their Basque rivals. This victory was particularly significant as it ended a long wait for a major trophy for Real Sociedad.

Mikel Oyarzabal was part of the Spanish football team that competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic. Spain reached the final but ended up with a silver medal after losing to Brazil. Oyarzabal played an important role throughout the tournament, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

After recovering from a significant injury, Mikel Oyarzabal rejoined the Spain national team on June 5, 2022. His return was highly anticipated, as his skill and vision are vital for the team. His comeback performance illustrated his resilience and dedication to returning to top form, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.

Mikel Oyarzabal was appointed as the captain of Real Sociedad on August 13, 2023. His leadership qualities, experience, and dedication to the club made him a natural choice for this role. As captain, Oyarzabal continues to inspire his teammates and leads by example both on and off the field, reinforcing his importance within the club.

On September 16, 2023, Mikel Oyarzabal extended his contract with Real Sociedad, committing his future to the club amidst interest from other top teams. This move signaled his loyalty and dedication, making a strong statement about his ambitions to achieve success with his boyhood club. Fans celebrated the news, considering him crucial to the team's prospects.