Who is Mikel Oyarzabal? Meet Real Sociedad's 'final king' who scored quickfire Spain goals vs. Saudi Arabia

After a stunning draw with Cape Verde, questions lingered about how Spain would respond against Saudi Arabia. Those questions were quickly answered.

After teenage phenom Lamine Yamal gave Spain an early lead with his first World Cup goal, Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice in the first half to turn the match into a rout.

Lamine Yamal is the headline-grabber on Spain's squad, but Oyarzabal could be the key to their hopes of lifting the trophy in July.

Here's what you need to know about a forward considered a "king of finals" by fans.

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Who is Mikel Oyarzabal?

The 29-year-old Oyarzabal debuted for Spain's national team in 2016 and became a regular contributor for the team in 2019. He has his club soccer played for Real Sociedad since 2015.

Native to Spain, Oyarzabal has 27 career international goals along with 100 goals for Real Sociedad. 

Oyarzabal has been in a relationship with girlfriend Ainhoa Larrauri since 2015, and the two welcomed a son together in late 2023.

Mikel Oyarzabal goals vs. Saudi Arabia

Oyarbazal put Spain up 2-0 on Saudi Arabia 

SPAIN IS FLYING EARLY AGAINST SAUDI ARABIA! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/HbZz60Hekw

The second goal of the day for Oyarbazal came after some beautiful passing and put Spain ahead 3-0:

Where is Mikel Oyarzabal from?

Oyarbazal was born in Eibar, a city in northern Spain. He spent time playing for hometown club SD Eibar as a teenager before landing with Real Sociedad, which is also based in northern Spain.

He has been with La Real for his entire professional career, aside from a brief loan spell with Eibar.

MORE: Why Lamine Yamal didn't start Spain's draw with Cape Verde

Who does Mikel Oyarzabal play for?

Oyarbazal is a captain for Real Sociedad and has been with the club for more than a decade.

The 29-year-old has 100 career goals for Real Sociedad, which plays in La Liga. Oyarzabal has twice won Copa del Rey with the club, including this year's tournament, though Real Sociedad hasn't won La Liga since 1982.

Mikel Oyarzabal stats 2025-26

Oyarbazal scored 15 goals in 30 starts (34 total games) for Real Sociedad during the 2025-26 La Liga season, also adding four assists.

Mikel Oyarzabal record in finals

Oyarbazal has scored a goal in all six finals in which he's played: two Copa del Rey finals, two UEFA Nations League Finals title games, an Olympic soccer final and the Euro 2024 final. This has led to him being considered a "king of finals" by fans.

While Oyarbazal's teams are only 3-3 in those matches, his clutch gene could certainly come in handy for Spain on the World Cup stage.