Santi Cazorla, the 40-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, has signed a new one-year contract with his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, as they prepare to return to the Spanish top flight, La Liga.
This extension ensures Cazorla’s presence in the team until at least the end of the 2026 season. Oviedo won promotion to La Liga for the first time in 24 years, largely thanks to Cazorla’s key role in the team last season.
Cazorla scored five goals and registered five assists in 35 games, proving instrumental in Oviedo’s success.
His notable performances included scoring the decisive goal in the La Liga 2 play-off semi-final tie against Almeria and converting a penalty in the second leg of the final against CD Mirandes.
Real Oviedo celebrated Cazorla’s renewal, stating, “With this renewal, Santi Cazorla, a symbol and emblem of Oviedo, proves that dreams, when pursued with the heart, come true”.
The club also praised Cazorla’s embodiment of their values, saying, “Real Oviedo secures the leadership of a footballer who embodies the Club’s values like few others, both on and off the field”.
Cazorla’s dedication to the club is evident in his decision to take the minimum La Liga salary and donate 10% of his shirt sales to Oviedo’s youth academy.
Cazorla’s career has been marked by remarkable highs and challenging lows. A two-time European champion with Spain, he spent six years at Arsenal, making 180 appearances before leaving in 2018.
Unfortunately, his time at Arsenal was also marred by a severe Achilles injury that required 11 operations. Doctors once told him he should be satisfied with just being able to walk again, but Cazorla’s determination and resilience enabled him to continue playing professionally.
As Oviedo embarks on its La Liga campaign, Cazorla’s experience and leadership will be invaluable. Despite turning 41 in December, he remains a pivotal figure in the team.
His emotional bond with Oviedo runs deep, having joined the club’s academy at eight and even purchasing shares in 2012 to help rescue the club from financial collapse.
With this new contract, Cazorla solidifies his commitment to Real Oviedo, and fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in the upcoming La Liga season.
