Oyarzabal, the quiet leader of Real Sociedad and Spain at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

From Eibar’s Unzaga square to the global stage, Mikel Oyarzabal, 29, now captains Real Sociedad and Spain at the 2026 World Cup cohosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, embodying calm authority and relentless consistency.

AS reports that early years in Eibar forged a self-made competitor. Youth coach Igor Arriaga remembers a left-footer who improved fastest in training, often above his level, and moved to Zubieta as a cadet with an appetite to learn.

Grounded habits endured. While breaking through he shared a student flat in San Sebastián and studied Business Administration and Management, encouraged by family to keep perspective. Fatherhood has simplified life, though friends say the competitive streak remains, even around a mus table.

Since debuting at 18 he has scored 129 goals for La Real, second only to Satrustegi, and he is a finals specialist with two Copas del Rey, scoring in both. He settled the semi-final against Athletic, drew praise from coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, then La Real beat Atlético de Madrid at La Cartuja and he presented the trophy in San Sebastián.

With Spain he has 24 goals in 50 caps and a habit of striking in showpiece games, from the Olympics and Nations League to the last Euros. Now captain at this World Cup, he notes how few backed Spain then and prefers the team speak on the pitch. An ACL rupture in March 2022 tested him, yet he returned hardened and still savours more than 10 years at the top.

Source: AS