Mikel Merino (foto: Getty Images)
Mikel Merino, born in Pamplona, joined Arsenal in August 2024 after guiding Spain to Euro 2024 glory, continuing a career marked by consistency, leadership and big-game moments.
Mikel Merino, the elegant midfielder born in Pamplona, has made a seamless transition to life at Arsenal since joining the club on August 27, 2024. Known for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, Merino has quietly evolved into one of the most influential central midfielders of his generation.
He rose through the ranks at Osasuna, where he joined from local side Amigó and made his senior debut with the B team during the 2013–14 season. By December 2014, he had already scored his first professional goal in a vital win over Las Palmas, and was promoted to the first team just weeks later.
Merino was instrumental in Osasuna’s 2015–16 promotion play-off campaign, scoring crucial goals in both legs of the semi-final against Gimnàstic. His growing reputation earned him a five-year deal with Borussia Dortmund in 2016, a pivotal move that introduced him to elite European football.
After a brief but impactful spell at Newcastle United, where he scored a memorable header against Crystal Palace, Merino returned to Spain with Real Sociedad in 2018 for €12 million. At Sociedad, he became the heartbeat of their midfield, known for his balance between defensive responsibility and creative vision.
Merino’s international pedigree is equally impressive. He helped Spain U19 win the 2015 UEFA European Championship and debuted for the senior team in 2020. His crowning moment came at UEFA Euro 2024, where his towering header against Germany in the quarter-finals propelled Spain into the semi-finals en route to their fourth European title.
He is now one of just 12 players in history to win both youth and senior European titles with Spain, having lifted the U19 trophy in 2015 and the senior one in 2024.
Football runs deep in his family. His father, Ángel Miguel Merino, also played professionally and later became a coach—shaping Mikel’s footballing journey from an early age. That foundation has helped the midfielder thrive at every stage of his career.
Now at Arsenal, Merino continues to grow as a leader on and off the pitch. With his rare combination of physical presence, technique, and experience, he looks set to become a cornerstone of the Gunners’ midfield for years to come.