It’s time to discuss Mikel Oyarzabal. During Spain’s third goal against Austria in Los Angeles, cameras captured the moment when Lamine Yamal’s younger brother celebrated with clenched fists, shouting, “The blonde in front has denied us the best sticker of all time.” The image was striking, not only for Yamal’s undeniable cuteness but also for its slight imperfection. Below him, a woman in sunglasses clapped while partially obscuring the three-year-old, leading a Spanish commentator to quip: “The blonde in front has given you two goals today, my friend.” Borja Iglesias humorously responded, saying: “[Keyne] is almost like an icon himself given everything that’s happened these last few years and with the transcendence Lamine has.”
The woman in question is Oyarzabal’s mother, Dorleta, and it was her son who netted his second goal of the match and fourth of the tournament. Just two days later, after the national team’s initial training session in Dallas, Marca inquired whether Oyarzabal had seen the footage.
“You mentioned Mikel Oyarzabal: at last, at last, we’re starting to recognise him in Spain. Madre mia! At last,” he replied, “Since I was little I’ve tried to understand play and why things happen,” The implicit contrast with his own status went unsaid; with Oyarzabal, many things often do. He is not one to seek the limelight, preferring a quieter existence.
However, this dynamic is shifting. Goals can significantly influence discussions, and Oyarzabal has been prolific lately. The campaign launched by coach Luis de la Fuente also contributes to this newfound attention. During a press event ahead of the match against Uruguay, when Oyarzabal’s name was mentioned, the Spain head coach seized the moment, beginning his response with a grateful “I’ve learned that by not getting in the way you can help. There are moments in which, just by positioning, you can help the team without even touching the ball. It’s then about making the most of the few you have. As a striker you can’t expect to touch the ball every minute.” and directing focus towards his No. 21. A few minutes later, another question specifically regarding the Real Sociedad striker arose, prompting De la Fuente to end his answer with another heartfelt “Mikel is a very intelligent person and you see that on the pitch. He’s one of the best strikers going into space, between lines, dropping to the wing. He’s played right wing, left wing, second striker and centre‑forward and always played well. Very few footballers have his ability to interpret the game. He has the humility and understanding to keep his feet on the ground, because this is a merry-go-round. He is an example to everyone and I’m more delighted with him by the day. People who understand football value him extremely highly. Unfortunately, there are others who don’t see it but the weight he has in the Selecci ón is brutal.” appreciating the recognition finally being afforded to Oyarzabal.
“Mikel seems shy, but he is someone you listen to, because he always has the right opinion.” the national coach exclaimed. He described Oyarzabal as “People said there was no centre-forward; there was, if a different profile,” a statement supported by the fact that he currently ranks alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Ousmane Dembélé as the top scorers in the World Cup, with Oyarzabal standing out among these superstars.
The narrative of an underrated player can often be overstated, a cliché that loses its significance over time. Recognition is frequently warranted, and the absence of celebration doesn’t always equate to a fault. Sometimes, being overlooked can even elevate a player’s status in an ironic twist. Yet in Oyarzabal’s case, there is merit to the notion. At 29, he has largely remained under the radar, particularly outside San Sebastián, where he captains Real Sociedad.
This obscurity partly stems from his accomplishments. Oyarzabal has secured two Copa del Rey titles with Real Sociedad, contributing to half of the club’s total trophies, scoring in both finals. Nevertheless, as a part of Real Sociedad, he lacks the promotional backing that might elevate his profile. There have been no transfer rumors to generate buzz, which is intriguing given that his buyout clause stands at only €75 million—less than what many players of lesser quality have fetched. Oyarzabal, who operates without an agent and is content at home, has never stirred speculation.
That is simply his approach; if he hasn’t been sold, he has never marketed himself. Following the Austria match, when asked how it felt to be compared to Mbappé and Messi, he stated, “I celebrate the fact that we’re talking about him, truly I do, so thank you,” and his sincerity was evident. He possesses a dry wit, seemingly undisturbed by the external chatter. There’s no trace of arrogance in his demeanor. When queried about an AI report listing the best strikers, which included Mbappé, Kane, and Haaland but omitted him, he responded: “Well, they are the best.”
Oyarzabal believes that as a striker, one should avoid interfering with the play. This is not an act of false humility but rather a genuine assessment of the game. His desire for anonymity may contribute to his underappreciation—his unassuming appearance and low-key style make him less noticeable. He isn’t particularly large or speedy, doesn’t rely on dazzling dribbles or long-range strikes, nor does he seek constant involvement; there’s no checklist of obvious attributes. His game encompasses subtler aspects, focusing on timing, understanding, and team play.
“Since I was little, I’ve tried to understand play and why things happen,” he shares. “I’ve learned that by not getting in the way, you can help. There are moments when, just by positioning, you can help the team without even touching the ball. It’s then about making the most of the few opportunities you get. As a striker, you can’t expect to touch the ball every minute.”
De la Fuente remarks.
“Mikel is a very intelligent person and you see that on the pitch. He’s one of the best strikers going into space, between lines, and dropping to the wing. He has played right wing, left wing, second striker, and centre-forward, always performing well. Very few footballers possess his ability to interpret the game. He maintains the humility and understanding to stay grounded, as this sport can be a whirlwind. He serves as an example to all, and my admiration for him grows daily. Those who understand football value him immensely. Sadly, others fail to recognize his contributions, but his impact on the national team is significant.”
Now, recognition is inevitable; the statistics affirm it. De la Fuente has consistently believed in Oyarzabal. Upon taking over as coach, he appointed Oyarzabal as one of the team captains, prioritizing experience over conventional criteria. Fabián Ruiz expressed: “Mikel seems shy, but he is someone you listen to, because he always has the right opinion.” An evolution has occurred as well, with Oyarzabal transitioning from a winger to a centre-forward, a shift linked to a knee injury that sidelined him during the last World Cup. He has adapted to a role that defies traditional definitions. “People said there was no centre-forward; there was, just a different profile,” De la Fuente clarified, having previously utilized Oyarzabal in this position at the under-21 level.
When Oyarzabal entered the Euro 2024 final, he scored once again. Naturally, he has scored in every final he has played. This particular goal was the decisive one; it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. Álvaro Morata was substituted, positioning Oyarzabal as the primary striker. Last season marked his highest goal tally for Real Sociedad, netting 15 in the league. Since his goal against England in Berlin, he has been directly involved in more international goals than Mbappé, Messi, Ronaldo, or Kane, with only Haaland surpassing him. Over his last 18 appearances for Spain, he has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists.
This summer, he has netted four goals in the U.S. on the biggest stage, where he rightfully belongs. Recently, a boot manufacturer recognized a striker they had never acknowledged before, a sentiment echoed by many. “I celebrate the fact that we’re talking about him, truly I do, so thank you,” De la Fuente concluded.
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