Full Name: Mikel Merino Zazón
Date of Birth: 22 June 1996
Place of Birth: Pamplona, Spain
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current Club: Arsenal
Jersey Number: 23
While growing up in Spain, the talented footballer Mikel Merino, a midfielder born in Pamplona, continues to carve out a notable career in European football.
He developed his skills at local clubs and had the honour of helping Luis de la Fuente's La Roja thrive in UEFA Euro 2024. The silent midfield marshal, who might not be your cup of tea, joined Arsenal football on August 27, 2024, as he continues to craft his narrative on the pitch. Let's look at 12 interesting facts about his career from childhood.
Below Are Mikel Merino Bio-Facts From Childhood
1. Merino Began His Career with Amigó Before Moving to Osasuna
Mikel Merino’s football odyssey began at a young age with the local club Amigó, where he showcased his potential. His promising talent soon caught the attention of scouts from Osasuna, a prominent club in his native Pamplona, Navarre. He later moved to Osasuna, joining their youth academy and continuing his football education.
2. He Made His Senior Debut with Osasuna's Reserves
Merino made his senior debut for Osasuna's B team during the 2013–14 season, playing in Spain's Tercera División. Reaching this significant milestone in his career helped him acquire valuable experience and exposure to senior football. His play at this level underscored his potential and multifaceted abilities as a midfielder, drawing attention from the club’s senior management.
3. He Scored His First Professional Goal Against Las Palmas
On December 21, 2014, Merino commemorated the moment by scoring his first-ever professional goal. Playing for Osasuna’s first team, he netted the decisive goal in a crucial 2–1 victory over Las Palmas, away from home. His knack for delivering in important moments was evident with this goal, solidifying his spot as a key player on the team.
4. Merino was Promoted to Osasuna Main Squad in January 2015
The Pamplona-born lad's consistent performances did not go unnoticed, and on January 31, 2015, he was officially promoted to Osasuna’s first team. He was handed the number 8 jersey, a sign of the trust and expectations the club had for him.
Merino, who ranks 5th in our list of most valuable Spanish midfield maestros quickly became a regular starter, using his skills and tactical awareness to help the team navigate the challenges of the Segunda División.
5. He Helped Osasuna Reach Promotion Play-offs with Key Goals
During the 2015–16 season, Merino played a vital role in Osasuna’s campaign to reach the promotion play-offs. Featuring in 34 matches, he found the net four times, twice in a critical 3–1 first-leg win against Gimnàstic de Tarragona in the play-offs, and once more in the second leg.
6. He Transferred to Borussia Dortmund in 2016
On February 15, 2016, Mikel Merino signed a five-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, a top Bundesliga club, with the deal becoming effective on July 1. This shift marked an important progression in his career, allowing him to compete at a higher tier and showcase his talents in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
7. He Had A Brief Stint at Newcastle United, Scoring Once
In July 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan, which later turned into a permanent deal after he met the required number of appearances. His time at St James’ Park was brief but impactful, featuring in 25 games. His memorable late header on October 21, 2017, earned a 1–0 win against Crystal Palace, bringing great excitement to the Newcastle faithful.
8. He Joined Real Sociedad After A Season at St James' Park
After spending a season with Newcastle United, Merino returned to Spain and signed a five-year deal with Real Sociedad on July 12, 2018, for a reported fee of €12 million. Back in La Liga, he quickly adapted to his new surroundings, becoming a key figure in Sociedad’s midfield and contributing defensively and offensively.
9. Having Moved Up from U19 and U21 He Represents Spain Internationally
Mikel Merino’s international career began with Spain’s youth teams, where he represented the country at the U19 and U21 levels. He was a crucial part of the Spain U19 squad that won the 2015 UEFA European Championship. His performances at these levels paved the way for his inclusion in the senior national team, where he made his debut in 2020 during the UEFA Nations League.
10. He Contributed to the Spain's Victory in Euro 2024
Merino's international career reached a pinnacle in 2024 when he was part of the Spanish squad that won the UEFA Euro 2024 championship.
His contributions were vital throughout the tournament, including a crucial header against Germany in the quarter-finals, which secured Spain’s progression to the semi-finals. His efforts helped Spain capture their fourth European title.
11. He is Among the 12 Players Who Have Won Two Euro Titles
Mikel Merino has the rare distinction of being one of just 12 players who have won both youth and senior European Championship titles.
Having first tasted international success with Spain's U19 team in 2015, he replicated this achievement at the senior level with the national team’s victory at Euro 2024, cementing his status as a distinguished player in Spanish football.
12. Mikel Merino's Father Embedded Football into the Family’s Heritage
Football runs in Mikel Merino’s blood, as his father, Ángel Miguel, also had a career in the sport. Ángel played professionally and was closely associated with Osasuna, the same club where Merino started his career.
Following his career as a player, Ángel moved into coaching, influencing Merino’s early life and career choices and shaping his path in professional football.
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