Santi Cazorla retires after storied career with Villarreal and Real Oviedo | OneFootball

Santi Cazorla has retired from professional football, closing a celebrated career as a Spanish international and revered playmaker.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the long-time Real Oviedo captain, aged 41, saw his contract expire on 30 June 2026 and will not remain with the club as a player, ending an emotional chapter for supporters.

An academy product at Villarreal, he became a standard-bearer as the club established itself among Spain and Europe’s elite. His elegant, inventive and associative football reflected the Submarino’s identity built on the ball, intelligence and audacity.

His 2018 return after a harrowing run of injuries, which even threatened his career, only deepened his legend. He came back when many had ruled him out and resumed a leading role, thrilling Estadio de la Cerámica with far more than goals and assists.

Born in Lugo de Llanera, he shone for Villarreal, Málaga, Arsenal and Al-Sadd, alongside two memorable spells with Real Oviedo. His latest Oviedo stint was especially poignant, returning to Asturias to help secure promotion to Primera División in 2025.

The farewell had been signposted during this season. In May he said he had already made his decision weeks earlier, that it was agreed with the club, and that formal confirmation would follow in the coming days or weeks.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo