23 Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino Zazón was born on June 22, 1996, in Pamplona, Spain. He developed his footballing skills at Amigó before joining Osasuna’s youth ranks. He made his professional debut with the club’s reserves before breaking into the first team in 2014.

Rise Through the Ranks

Merino quickly became a key player at Osasuna, contributing crucial goals and performances that helped the club secure a promotion play-off spot in 2016. His standout displays earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, marking the beginning of his international club career.

Journey Through Europe

• Borussia Dortmund (2016–2017) – Made his Bundesliga debut but struggled for regular minutes.
• Newcastle United (2017–2018) – Initially joined on loan before making the move permanent, scoring a winning goal against Crystal Palace.
• Real Sociedad (2018–2024) – Flourished as a key midfielder, winning the 2020 Copa del Rey and making 242 appearances with 27 goals. He led La Liga in duels won in the 2023–24 season.

Arsenal Move & Premier League Return

In August 2024, Merino returned to England, signing a four-year deal with Arsenal for a reported £31.6 million. However, an unfortunate shoulder fracture in training delayed his debut. He finally made his first appearance on October 1, 2024, in a 2–0 UEFA Champions League win over PSG.

His first Premier League goal came later that month, heading home in a 2–2 draw with Liverpool. On February 15, 2025, Merino made headlines again by filling in as a makeshift striker and scoring both goals in a 2–0 win over Leicester City.

International Success with Spain

Merino has been a key player for Spain at various levels:

• Under-19 European Champion (2015) – Scored in Spain’s 3–0 win over Germany in the final.
• Senior Debut (2020) – Came on against Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
• UEFA Euro 2024 Winner – Scored a dramatic 119th-minute header against Germany in the quarter-finals, helping Spain win their record-breaking fourth European title.

Playing Style & Strengths

• Tactical Intelligence – Reads the game well, excelling in both defensive and attacking phases.
• Aerial Dominance – Dangerous from set-pieces, as seen in his crucial header at Euro 2024.
• Versatility – Primarily a midfielder but has filled in as a striker when needed.

Personal Life

Football runs in Merino’s blood—his father, Ángel Miguel Merino, was also a professional player and coach at Osasuna. In June 2024, Mikel married model Lola Liberal in Pamplona.

Future Prospects

With his ability to control midfield and deliver in big moments, Merino is shaping up to be a key figure for Arsenal and Spain for years to come. His impact in the Premier League is just beginning, and fans can expect more standout performances from the Spanish star.