Career Timeline of Mikel Oyarzabal: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Mikel Oyarzabal, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left winger or forward. He is the captain of La Liga club Real Sociedad and a member of the Spain national team. Oyarzabal is known for his leadership and attacking abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Copa del Rey

In the 2019–20 Copa del Rey, Oyarzabal scored a penalty in each leg of a 3–1 aggregate defeat of Mirandés as his team reached the final for the first time since 1988.

2011: Joined Real Sociedad's Youth Setup

In 2011, at the age of 14, Oyarzabal joined Real Sociedad's youth setup in Eibar, Gipuzkoa.

November 2014: Senior Debut with Real Sociedad Reserves

On 15 November 2014, while still a junior, Oyarzabal made his senior debut with the reserves, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–2 away win against Amorebieta in the Segunda División B.

September 2015: First Senior Goals

On 20 September 2015, Oyarzabal scored his first senior goals, scoring twice in a 5–0 away rout of Mensajero.

February 2016: First Goal for Real Sociedad

On 8 February 2016, Oyarzabal scored his first goal for Real Sociedad in a 5–0 away win over Espanyol. Six days later, he scored two goals to help defeat Granada 3–0 at the Anoeta Stadium.

May 2016: Call-up to Senior Squad

On 17 May 2016, aged 19, Oyarzabal was called up to the Spain senior squad for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twelve days later, he replaced Nolito in the 3–1 win.

August 2016: Contract Renewal

On 19 August 2016, Oyarzabal renewed his contract with Real Sociedad until 2022.

December 2016: Basque Country National Team Debut

On 30 December 2016, Oyarzabal featured for the non-affiliated Basque Country national team, scoring on his debut to cap a 3–1 win over Tunisia at the San Mamés Stadium.

2016: Full Debut for Spain National Team

In 2016, Oyarzabal made his full debut for the Spain national team.

October 2017: European Debut

On 19 October 2017, Oyarzabal made his European debut, scoring in a 6–0 thrashing of Macedonia's Vardar in the Europa League group stage.

April 2018: Two Goals Against Girona

On 8 April 2018, Oyarzabal scored two goals in a 5–0 win against Girona.

October 2018: Goals Against Athletic Bilbao

On 5 October 2018, Oyarzabal scored his first goals since May of that year, two penalties in a 3–1 away victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby.

June 2019: First International Goal

On 10 June 2019, Oyarzabal scored his first goal for Spain, in a 3–0 victory over Sweden in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.

2019: Copa del Rey

In 2019, Oyarzabal played for Real Sociedad where he won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey, scoring the winning goal in the final.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers

On 10 June 2019, Oyarzabal scored his first goal for Spain, in a 3–0 victory over Sweden in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.

2020: Copa del Rey Final Goal

On 3 April 2021, Oyarzabal scored the only goal of the delayed 2020 Copa del Rey final, also through a penalty, to help Real Sociedad clinch their first trophy in 34 years after beating Athletic Bilbao.

April 2021: Copa del Rey Final Goal

May 2021: Included in Euro 2020 Squad

In May 2021, Oyarzabal was included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for the Euro 2020 finals.

2021: Olympic Games

In 2021, Oyarzabal was selected for the Olympic squad to compete in Tokyo, where he scored three times for the runners-up, including once in the 2–1 final loss to Brazil. He also scored in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final against France.

2021: Extended Contract

In February 2016, shortly after having extended his contract until 2021, he scored two goals to help defeat Granada 3–0 at the Anoeta Stadium.

2022: Contract Renewal

On 19 August 2016, Oyarzabal renewed his contract with Real Sociedad until 2022.

February 2023: Contract Extension

In February 2023, Oyarzabal extended his contract with Real Sociedad until 2028, retaining the buyout clause of €75 million.

December 2024: 100th Goal

On 1 December 2024, Oyarzabal scored his 100th goal for Real Sociedad, through a penalty in the 2–0 home win against Real Betis.

2024: Euro 2024

After an absence from the national team due to his serious knee injury, on 27 May Oyarzabal made a provisional list for Euro 2024. He scored his first international hat-trick on 5 June, in a 5–0 friendly win over Andorra prior to the tournament. In the finals in Germany, he played all seven games for the champions, starting once. On 14 July, he scored in the 86th minute in the final to secure a 2–1 victory against England.

2024: New Contract with Real Sociedad

In October 2018, Athletic Bilbao had tried to sign Oyarzabal in the summer transfer window, but he had rejected their approach in favour of signing a new contract with Real Sociedad to run until 2024.