Mikel Oyarzabal is not the biggest name in Spain's World Cup squad, but he is the one who has so far shone brightest. The 29-year-old Real Sociedad striker scored twice as the reigning European champions beat Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, securing Spain's first knockout win in 16 years and a place in the last 16. While teenage sensation Lamine Yamal dominates the back of fans' shirts and the cameras, Oyarzabal has quietly become Spain's most decisive player, with four goals at this tournament.
Oyarzabal has been in the form of his life. Since recovering from a ruptured ACL in his left knee that caused him to miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he has scored 17 goals in his last 16 starts for Spain, including four at the 2026 World Cup. Only Norway's Erling Haaland has more international goals among European players since the start of last year. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague describes Oyarzabal as "the invisible man" who "has scored in every final he has ever played" and is "one of the most intelligent players we have."
“Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is shining at the 2026 World Cup, scoring four goals despite being overshadowed by Lamine Yamal.”
For much of an international career that began a decade ago at the age of 19, Oyarzabal has not enjoyed much of the limelight. He began as a winger but has transitioned into a central striker under Spain boss Luis de la Fuente. Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta noted that Oyarzabal "has transitioned more into the middle." His two finishes against Austria demonstrated his poacher's instinct, and he became the first Spanish player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Emilio Butragueno in 1986.
For UK readers, Oyarzabal is a name that may be familiar from Euro 2024, when he scored the winning goal in the final against England. His club form for Real Sociedad has also been impressive: he bagged 18 goals last season and helped the La Liga side win the Copa del Rey. Tottenham fans, in particular, will note that his teammate Pedro Porro also scored in the Austria game, justifying his inclusion in the starting lineup. As the World Cup progresses, Oyarzabal's form could be crucial for Spain's chances – and for any English clubs monitoring his development.
Q: Who is Mikel Oyarzabal? Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish striker who plays for Real Sociedad. He has been at the club his entire career and is known for his intelligence and finishing ability. He missed the 2022 World Cup due to a serious knee injury but has since become Spain's most prolific forward.
Q: Why is Mikel Oyarzabal not as famous as Lamine Yamal? Lamine Yamal is a teenage Barcelona forward who was the focus of media attention before Spain's games. Oyarzabal, while less flashy, has been more decisive, scoring four goals at the 2026 World Cup. Balague calls him "the invisible man" who quietly delivers in big moments.
Q: How many goals has Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain recently? Since the start of 2025, Oyarzabal has scored 17 goals in his last 16 starts, including four at this World Cup. Only Erling Haaland (22) has more international goals among European players in that period.
Spain will face either Portugal or Croatia in the last 16. Oyarzabal will be key to their hopes of winning a first World Cup since 2010.