Santi Cazorla, the experienced Spanish midfielder, has officially retired from professional football at age 41. The veteran playmaker concluded his career with his hometown club, Real Oviedo, after helping them achieve promotion to La Liga in 2025.
Reflecting on his departure, Cazorla shared on social media that finishing his journey at home felt like a complete ending. Throughout his long career, the midfielder played for several notable clubs including Villarreal, Recreativo, Malaga, Arsenal, and Al Sadd. He enjoyed significant success during his six-year tenure at Arsenal, where he captured two FA Cups.
Internationally, Cazorla was a key member of the Spanish squad that claimed victory in both the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, though persistent injuries prevented him from participating in the 2010 World Cup.
His final stint at Real Oviedo was marked by his dedication to the club’s future. The team confirmed that he played for the league’s minimum wage, donated his image rights, and requested that a portion of his jersey sales be invested directly into their youth academy. Real Oviedo has expressed their desire to keep him involved with the club in a capacity of his choosing.
