{"id":245427,"first_name":"Mikel","last_name":"Merino","short_name":"Mikel Merino","common_name":"Mikel Merino","place_of_birth":"Pamplona","gender":"male","height":187,"weight":79,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T10:11:24.507Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:21.547Z","locale":"en","age":28,"stb_id":"mikel-merino","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Mikel Merino","top_position":null,"introduction":"Mikel Merino Zazón is a renowned Spanish professional footballer known for his strategic midfield prowess. Born on June 22, 1996, he has carved a distinguished career primarily in Spain and England. Currently playing for Premier League club Arsenal and the Spanish national team, Merino's career highlights include winning the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and the Copa del Rey in 2019–20 with Real Sociedad.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nMikel Merino was born in Pamplona, Navarre. His father, Ángel Miguel, also a footballer affiliated with Osasuna both as a player and manager, played a significant role in Mikel's early interest in football. Growing up in a football-oriented environment, Merino's passion for the sport was evident from a young age.\n\n## Youth Career\nMerino began his youth football with Amigó before transitioning to Osasuna's youth setup, where he developed his foundational skills. His youth career was marked by significant progress, eventually leading to his senior debut with Osasuna's reserves during the 2013–14 season in the Tercera División.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Osasuna\nMerino made his first-team debut for Osasuna on August 23, 2014, in a Segunda División match against Barcelona B, contributing to a 2–0 victory. He scored his first professional goal on December 21, 2014, securing a 2–1 win over Las Palmas. During the 2015–16 season, Merino played a pivotal role, helping Osasuna reach the promotion play-offs with four goals from 34 appearances.\n\n### Borussia Dortmund\nOn February 15, 2016, Merino signed a five-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, effective July 1, 2016. He made his Bundesliga debut on October 14, 2016, in a 1–1 draw against Hertha BSC.\n\n### Newcastle United\nMerino joined Newcastle United on loan in July 2017. The club's option to purchase him was triggered after a series of strong performances, culminating in a permanent five-year contract on October 13, 2017. He made 25 appearances, scoring a notable header for a 1–0 win against Crystal Palace on October 21, 2017.\n\n### Real Sociedad\nReturning to Spain, Merino signed with Real Sociedad on July 12, 2018. Initially facing adaptation challenges, he became a key player, scoring his first La Liga goal on September 21, 2018. Merino's leadership was evident as he captained the team for the first time on March 7, 2020. A critical figure in Real Sociedad's 2019–20 Copa del Rey triumph, Merino also led in possession duels in Europe's top leagues during the 2023–24 season.\n\n### Arsenal\nMerino moved to Arsenal on August 27, 2024, for £31.6 million. After overcoming an early injury, he made his debut on October 1, 2024, in a UEFA Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nMerino was instrumental in Spain's under-19 team's victory at the 2015 UEFA European Championship, scoring in the opener against Germany.\n\n### Senior National Team\nMerino debuted for the senior Spanish team on September 3, 2020, against Germany. Highlight performances include a decisive goal against Cyprus on September 12, 2023. At Euro 2024, Merino scored a crucial header against Germany, helping Spain secure their spot in the semi-finals.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nMikel Merino is predominantly a midfielder known for his strategic vision, technical skill, and versatility on the field. His physical presence contributes significantly to defensive duels, while his tactical understanding makes him a key orchestrator in midfield play.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his career, Merino has accumulated impressive statistics, including over 240 club appearances and 27 goals with Real Sociedad. His robust performance in competitions highlights his consistent impact.\n\n## Records\nMerino was part of Spain's squad that set a record with four European championships. His notable leadership on the field is reflected in his records of leading possession duels in major European leagues.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Copa del Rey (2019–20) with Real Sociedad\n- UEFA European Championship (2024) with Spain\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- La Liga Team of the Season (2022–23)\n- Segunda División Player of the Month (June 2016)\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nMerino earned a place in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022–23 and was acknowledged for monthly performances with awards like the La Liga Player of the Month alongside his teammate Mikel Oyarzabal.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nMikel Merino has made a lasting impact on football, distinguished by his tactical intelligence and leadership on an international scale with Spain and across prominent clubs like Real Sociedad and Arsenal.\n\n## Off the Field\nWhile details about off-field activities are limited, Merino's marriage to model Lola Liberal in June 2024 garnered public attention, highlighting a personal milestone.\n\n## Personal Life\nMerino's personal life features close ties to family and football’s cultural influence, notably his father’s legacy. His marriage to Lola Liberal signifies an important chapter in his life, reflecting a balance of personal and professional commitments.","stb_internal_id":"019300f5-1d41-7591-870c-5525c336e42f","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Mikel Merino Zazón is a renowned Spanish professional footballer known for his strategic midfield prowess. Born on June 22, 1996, he has carved a distinguished career primarily in Spain and England. Currently playing for Premier League club Arsenal and the Spanish national team, Merino's career highlights include winning the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and the Copa del Rey in 2019–20 with Real Sociedad.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Mikel Merino was born in Pamplona, Navarre. His father, Ángel Miguel, also a footballer affiliated with Osasuna both as a player and manager, played a significant role in Mikel's early interest in football. Growing up in a football-oriented environment, Merino's passion for the sport was evident from a young age.

Youth Career

Merino began his youth football with Amigó before transitioning to Osasuna's youth setup, where he developed his foundational skills. His youth career was marked by significant progress, eventually leading to his senior debut with Osasuna's reserves during the 2013–14 season in the Tercera División.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Osasuna

Merino made his first-team debut for Osasuna on August 23, 2014, in a Segunda División match against Barcelona B, contributing to a 2–0 victory. He scored his first professional goal on December 21, 2014, securing a 2–1 win over Las Palmas. During the 2015–16 season, Merino played a pivotal role, helping Osasuna reach the promotion play-offs with four goals from 34 appearances.

Borussia Dortmund

On February 15, 2016, Merino signed a five-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, effective July 1, 2016. He made his Bundesliga debut on October 14, 2016, in a 1–1 draw against Hertha BSC.

Newcastle United

Merino joined Newcastle United on loan in July 2017. The club's option to purchase him was triggered after a series of strong performances, culminating in a permanent five-year contract on October 13, 2017. He made 25 appearances, scoring a notable header for a 1–0 win against Crystal Palace on October 21, 2017.

Real Sociedad

Returning to Spain, Merino signed with Real Sociedad on July 12, 2018. Initially facing adaptation challenges, he became a key player, scoring his first La Liga goal on September 21, 2018. Merino's leadership was evident as he captained the team for the first time on March 7, 2020. A critical figure in Real Sociedad's 2019–20 Copa del Rey triumph, Merino also led in possession duels in Europe's top leagues during the 2023–24 season.

Arsenal

Merino moved to Arsenal on August 27, 2024, for £31.6 million. After overcoming an early injury, he made his debut on October 1, 2024, in a UEFA Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Merino was instrumental in Spain's under-19 team's victory at the 2015 UEFA European Championship, scoring in the opener against Germany.

Senior National Team

Merino debuted for the senior Spanish team on September 3, 2020, against Germany. Highlight performances include a decisive goal against Cyprus on September 12, 2023. At Euro 2024, Merino scored a crucial header against Germany, helping Spain secure their spot in the semi-finals.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Mikel Merino is predominantly a midfielder known for his strategic vision, technical skill, and versatility on the field. His physical presence contributes significantly to defensive duels, while his tactical understanding makes him a key orchestrator in midfield play.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his career, Merino has accumulated impressive statistics, including over 240 club appearances and 27 goals with Real Sociedad. His robust performance in competitions highlights his consistent impact.

Records

Merino was part of Spain's squad that set a record with four European championships. His notable leadership on the field is reflected in his records of leading possession duels in major European leagues.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Copa del Rey (2019–20) with Real Sociedad
UEFA European Championship (2024) with Spain

Individual Achievements

La Liga Team of the Season (2022–23)
Segunda División Player of the Month (June 2016)

Awards and Recognition

Merino earned a place in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022–23 and was acknowledged for monthly performances with awards like the La Liga Player of the Month alongside his teammate Mikel Oyarzabal.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Mikel Merino has made a lasting impact on football, distinguished by his tactical intelligence and leadership on an international scale with Spain and across prominent clubs like Real Sociedad and Arsenal.

Off the Field

While details about off-field activities are limited, Merino's marriage to model Lola Liberal in June 2024 garnered public attention, highlighting a personal milestone.

Personal Life

Merino's personal life features close ties to family and football’s cultural influence, notably his father’s legacy. His marriage to Lola Liberal signifies an important chapter in his life, reflecting a balance of personal and professional commitments.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Arsenal August 2024 - Now	9	5
Spain August 2020 - Now	3	0

Mikel Merino: Career