Mikel Oyarzabal is finally getting the attention he deserves.
Spain's forward has scored four goals at the World Cup, putting him alongside superstars like Mbappé and Messi in the tournament's scoring charts.
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His mother, Dorleta, was spotted in the stands during Spain's win over Austria, partially blocking a photo of Lamine Yamal's celebrating brother.
The moment went viral, but Oyarzabal remained unfazed.
“I don’t care,” he said when asked about being compared to the world's best. He meant it.
A Quiet Leader
Oyarzabal has never sought the spotlight. The 29-year-old Real Sociedad captain has no agent and rarely generates transfer rumors.
He prefers to let his game speak.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has been a vocal supporter. “At last, we’re starting to recognise him in Spain,” de la Fuente said.
“He is a great among greats.”
De la Fuente made Oyarzabal one of Spain's captains, bypassing seniority. Teammates respect his quiet authority.
“He always has the right opinion,” midfielder Fabián Ruiz noted.
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Goals Change Everything
Oyarzabal's numbers are impossible to ignore. In his last 18 games for Spain, he has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists.
Only Erling Haaland has been more prolific internationally in that span.
He scored the winner in the Euro 2024 final and has found the net in every final he has played.
After Álvaro Morata stepped aside, Oyarzabal became Spain's first-choice center-forward.
His playing style is subtle but effective. “I’ve learned that by not getting in the way you can help,” Oyarzabal explained.
His tactical intelligence allows him to create space and opportunities without dominating possession.
De la Fuente praised his versatility: “Very few footballers have his ability to interpret the game. He has the humility to keep his feet on the ground.”
Oyarzabal's rise has been a long time coming.
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After missing the previous World Cup due to injury, he is now making up for lost time on the biggest stage.
