Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal was an asset that helped La Roja win the Spain vs Georgia match 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Elche on Saturday, October 11. It was an easy victory for La Furia Roja that almost ensured their qualification to next year’s World Cup.
For Spain, Yemery also scored on the day. The hosts were without Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Nico Williams, but Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad was there to ensure Spain’s win. He scored with a thunderous left-footer from a free-kick to ensure Spain’s victory.
Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad: A One-Club Man for More Than a Decade
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal came through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad and has been playing for the senior team since 2015. Saturday’s goal against Georgia was his 18th international goal in 48 matches. However, it was definitely not his most famous goal for the Spanish national team.
It had to be his match-winner against England in the final of the 2024 Euros. Spain won the match 2-1, with Oyarzabal scoring the match-winner in the second half.
However, he has won only a solitary title with his club – the Copa Del Rey in the 2019/20 season. Real Sociedad are not used to winning titles amid the presence of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spanish football.
However, one does not come across players loyal to a single club these days. Oyarzabal is a rarity in that regard. He has scored 117 goals in more than 400 matches for the Basque club. This puts him firmly among the legends of the club.
Oyarzabal is the second-highest goal-scorer in the history of the club, only behind Jesus Satrusregui, who has 153 goals. Oyarzabal is only 28 now and therefore has enough time to catch on and become the club’s highest goal-scorer of all time.
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Will He Move to Another Club in the Future?
Oyarzabal’s contract with Real Sociedad runs until 2028, and hence, the club might not want him to leave on a free transfer in less than three years’ time. As a result, they might be persuaded to sell him for a good enough price within the next two years.
It is a bit surprising that clubs like Manchester United, which have been suffering from the lack of a potent goal-scorer, have not gone for him yet. He could have been a very good addition to a club like United with his wealth of experience.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal will turn 29 next year and will still have a few years’ football left in him. It remains to be seen whether a big club will approach Real Sociedad to get his signature.
Even if that does not happen, Oyarzabal will remain a rare one-club man like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, and Steven Gerrard. One can only wish him success in the upcoming seasons.
However, it should not come as a surprise if a big club approaches him after the World Cup. The quadrennial tournament will give him a great chance to showcase his talent once again.
He is likely to lead Spain’s attack in the tournament, just as he’s already been a valuable player in the World Cup qualifiers, as seen in the Spain vs Georgia game.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT
Recording Date: 10.10.2025