When you consider both football intelligence and general intelligence, Mikel Oyarzabal stands out. He’s the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto. This article delves into the life story of an exceptionally bright athlete, a professional footballer who holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Deusto. Coming from a home rooted in strong ethical and moral values, Mikel’s father, Ernesto, has always been focused on leading a successful family, with his son being a prime example. Did you know? Mikel Oyarzabal isn’t just a professional footballer or a graduate; he also attended a taekwondo school where he earned a red belt. Now, let’s explore his full story.
A Tale of Football Intelligence: Mikel Oyarzabal’s Life Journey
Our Mikel Oyarzabal Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents (Mr and Mrs Ernesto Oyarzabal), Family Background, and siblings.
More so, Mikel Oyarzabal’s Girlfriend/Wife to be (Ainhoa ​​Larrauri), Lifestyle, Personal Life and Net Worth, etc.
We begin Mikel Oyarzabal’s story by first telling you the events of his early years of growing up in Eibar, the famous Basque Country of Spain.
We then proceed to when the talented Spaniard became famous in the beautiful game.
To whet your autobiography appetite about the engaging nature of Mikel Oyarzabal’s Bio, we’ve made it necessary to portray his Early Life and Success Gallery. Behold a summary of his amazing life journey.
Mikel Oyarzabal Biography – Behold his Early Life and Success Gallery.
Certainly, everyone acknowledges the Unorthodox Winger’s ability to utilize deception in creating space for his attacks. Moreover, his proficiency in reading the movements of his teammates is truly remarkable, considering he’s a top footballer.
Despite the accolade of being one of Spain’s best playmakers (of his generation), we notice that only a few fans have read Mikel Oyarzabal’s Biography. We have prepared it for you, and without further ado, let’s begin.
Mikel Oyarzabal Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, the Spaniard bears the nickname – Bigfoot. Mikel Oyarzabal Ugarte was born on the 21st day of April 1997 to his parents – Mr and Mrs Ernesto Oyarzabal, in the city of Eibar, Spain.
The Real Sociedad Legend came to the world as the first son – among three children. Mikel and his siblings are from the same parents.
Behold a photo of Ernesto and his wife – the proud Mum and Dad who bequeath to Mikel (not riches), but the spirit of reverence.
Meet Mikel Oyarzabal’s parents – Mr and Mrs Ernesto Oyarzabal.
Growing-Up Years – alongside his beloved Sibling:
Mikel didn’t enjoy childhood alone but mostly alongside his older sister, Cristina Oyarzabal. As pictured below, she was never the Bossy or know-it-all sibling.
Rather, Cristina Oyarzabal took excellent care of little Mikel – as she never allowed him to wander in the dark alone.
As a child, Mikel was properly looked after by his older sister, Cristina Oyarzabal.
Years later, another joyful news befell their household. Mikel Oyarzabal’s parents had another addition to their family – his youngest sister, whom they call Elene.
Often, we consider Lastborns as being endearing and lovable. They are so precious and love to gum themselves around older siblings.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s little sister (Elene) has been an example of one. She had a big brother and sister – always looking after her.
Cristina, Mikel and Elene – taking a pose for a photo (years back).
Mikel Oyarzabal Family Background:
Starting off, the Spaniard hails a close-knitted household, one whose income and standard of living we classify under the Spanish middle-class.
The head of Mikel’s family – Ernesto Oyarzabal – is a man who never struggled with monies – always making sure everyone is happy.
Mikel Oyarzabal has a beautiful family. We notice Cristina is missing from this photo.
Ernesto and his wife are very simple people who support the children with any career of their choice. Mikel, while on social media, made fans know more about his supportive Dad. In his words,
He is a very special person. both my mother and he have supported me at all times in all the decisions I have made.
they did not question what it was or what I wanted to do in life.
If I was happy with anything, they tried to help me with it.
Mikel Oyarzabal Family Origin:
First thing first, the stylish playmaker holds Spanish nationality. More importantly, he has Basque blood running through his veins.
Eibar, the city – where Mikel Oyarzabal’s parents had him, is within the Basque Autonomous Community of Spain. Hence, from an ethnic standpoint, he is a full-fledged Basque.
This map explains Mikel Oyarzabal’s Family origin – from an ethnic standpoint.
Also to note, Mikel Oyarzabal’s family have their ancestry tied to San Sebastian – their hometown in the country’s Basque region.
Located in Northern Spain, the area is bounded by the foothills of Mount Urgull, which crams into the harbour and the estuary of the River Urumea. What a beautiful sight to behold.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s Origin – San Sebastian – known as Donostia in Basque, is famed for its beaches, quaint Old Town and first-class restaurants.
Mikel Oyarzabal Education:
For Ernesto, his Dad, one thing has always been clear about his idea of spearheading a successful family. It is a fact that everyone – should be reasonably educated.
Hence, we are not surprised that Mikel Oyarzabal holds a business degree from the University of Deusto.
The Basque talent was very good at combining sports with studying – since his childhood. It wasn’t all about football, but martial arts as well.
Early on, Mikel Oyarzabal’s parents had him enrol at a taekwondo school where he earned a red belt – a grade below the black belt.
Oyarzabal is a versatile kid who once participated in Taekwondo.
Mikel Oyarzabal Biography – Football Story:
Research has it that from a very young age, the youngster was trained by former professional athlete Germán Andueza Berregi.
This is a man so respected and closely linked to Basque sport. He was fundamental to Mikel’s professional success years later.
From the photo below, we also notice a trend. That Mikel Oyarzabal and his family were greatly involved with activities relating to Eibar – the professional Spanish football club based in Gipuzkoa, the autonomous Basque Country.
Hence, it is not surprising that little Mikel’s passion for soccer fetched him a place in the club’s academy.
Mikel Oyarzabal Biography – The Road to Fame Story:
The youngster played in the lower categories of Eibar, where he stayed until he was 14 years old.
At that age, Mikel Oyarzabal felt the need to explore new football surroundings.
That year (2011), he left Eibar to join Real Sociedad. After two seasons of youth football, Eibar took him back on loan.
They then allowed him to leave for his former club two years later. While there, Mikel became the Greatest Symbol of the Real Sociedad Academy.
Progression to Senior Football:
Following his successful graduation from academy football (the year 2014), the Basque talent earned himself a call to Real Sociedad B.
In a short time, the young Spaniard settled into the senior squad, earning a place as a starter above heavyweights.
Most importantly, he later had the prestigious number 10 on his back, the emblematic squad numbers worn by stars such as Lionel Messi, the Great Luka Modric and Iago Aspas.
The Breakout Year:
2017 was the first major turning point for Mikel’s career. That year, the 20-year-old earned huge respect from his motherland – as he helped Spain’s U21 reach the finals of the UEFA European Championship.
Sadly, Oyarzabal’s team narrowly lost to Germany, which had stars like Serge Gnabry and Thilo Kehrer.
The Forward never gave up after the loss, as two years later, another UEFA European Under-21 Championship came knocking. This time, Spain won it.
Mikel Oyarzabal Biography – The Success Story:
Surprisingly, the final of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship was still between Spain and Germany.
So hungry for revenge, the Spanish U-21 team had top stars who were ready to make Germany suffer for what they did to them two years before.
People in that Spanish Under 21 team include the likes of Dani Olmo (Dinamo Zagreb), Pablo Fornals (Villarreal), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) and Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao). Oyarzabal got his destiny partially fulfilled as he gladly held his first international trophy.
The Copa del Rey Push:
Moving past a 200-game appearance with over 60 goals for Real Sociedad, Mikel Oyarzabal cemented his legendary status with the club.
To crave respect for his club reputation, the Eibar native, alongside Adnan Januzaj (and others), pushed hard for the Copa del Rey.
In the 2019–20 Copa del Rey, Mikel Oyarzabal helped his team reach the final for the first time since 1988.
Similar to what happened in his earlier UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the next season of the Copa del Rey became victorious.
Real Sociedad Success:
The arrival of big names – the likes of Alexander Isak from Borussia Dortmund and David Silva (from Man City) made the White and Blues even stronger. Let’s not forget his namesake, Mikel Merino. Thankfully, during that 2019/2020 season, they reached the Copa del Rey finals.
As anticipated, Oyarzabal delivered an outstanding performance, scoring the only goal of the postponed 2020 Copa del Rey Final.
With that goal, Real Sociedad clinched their first-ever trophy in 34 years after beating Athletic Bilbao.
What a moment for Mikel Oyarzabal as he celebrated the 2019/2020 Copa del Rey trophy.
At the time of writing this Bio, Real Sociedad holds the second position in La Liga just after seven matches of the 2021/2022 season.
With talents like Alexander Sørloth and Mathew Ryan joining the club, we hope Real Sociedad can fight for Champions League places.
Without a doubt, Mikel Oyarzabal is a rare gem in football. Having cemented his status as a true legend for Real Sociedad, it is likely that a big transfer could take him.
Just maybe, he could be Harry Kane‘s Alternative Option for Man City. The rest, as we say of his Biography, is now history.
Who is Ainhoa ​​Larrauri? … Mikel Oyarzabal Girlfriend:
Meet the woman of his life. Her name is Ainhoa ​​Larrauri.
The celebrated Spanish winger is not single. Indeed, there is indeed a lady he is dating. Ainhoa ​​Larrauri (pictured above) is Mikel Oyarzabal’s Girlfriend.
Research has it that both lovers have been dating for several years – before 2015.
Owing to their personalities, the Basque striker and his girlfriend – Ainhoa ​​Larrauri – prefer not to attract much attention or publicity to their relationship.
Their first public appearance came at the time Mikel celebrated his UEFA U-21 victory alongside his family.
Igor Zubeldia (mid-right) and Mikel Oyarzabal (mid-left) pictured celebrating with their girlfriends – Ione and Ainhoa – after Spain’s victory at the UEFA Euro U21 tournament.
Ainhoa ​​Larrauri was born on the 17th day of May 1997. Although not looking younger, Mikel Oyarzabal is just one month older than his wife-to-be. Also, to note, both lovers share the Taurus zodiac sign.
What the future holds for Ainhoa ​​Larrauri and Mikel Oyarzabal:
Judging by the way these two have loved each other for years, very likely that they would become husband and wife.
At the time Mikel Oyarzabal made this picture public (on Ainhoa ​​Larrauri’s 18th birthday), he said the following words to her;
The love shared by Ainhoa ​​Larrauri and Mikel Oyarzabal knows no bounds. This picture was taken on her 18th birthday.
You always have so much to say, and today is no exception. Congratulations, my love, on turning 18, a milestone you truly deserve. Thank you for everything! Enjoy your special day!
The birthday celebrant, Ainhoa ​​Larrauri, responded with a grateful heart … saying;
how much I love you, very much thank you very much kariii ♥♥♥
Personal Life:
Who is Mikel Oyarzabal outside of football? We’ll use the picture to tell you more about the Basque striker.
Mikel Oyarzabal Personal Life – Explained.
First things first, Mikel is an extremely down-to-earth man with very clear ideas about life. He is one who believes in the concept, that the best way to succeed is to live a simple life.
Using Mikel Oyarzabal’s Education to explain his Personality:
Aside from having his feet very anchored to the ground, the Basque talent treats going to school as very paramount.
Oyarzabal knows the fact that a career in football is very complicated. For this reason, he (a long time ago) made a Plan B.
The second option to a football career is his mission of getting educated. After his primary and high school, the Spaniard proceeded to a university – even while yielding to the enormous demands of professional football.
As I write this Biography, Mikel Oyarzabal is a proud graduate of Business Studies at the University of Deusto. This is a private tertiary institution with campuses in Bilbao and San Sebastian.
Who knows… For a man who knows how to multitask between football and education, we shouldn’t be surprised to see the Spaniard having an MSc and PhD in years to come.
Mikel Oyarzabal Lifestyle:
No doubt, he makes lots of monies, but that doesn’t seduce him. The truth is, Mikel is a real antidote to exotic living.
Oyarzabal is not a fashionista or stylish dresser like some athletes – the likes of Paul Pogba or Neymar.
In the world of using football monies to live exotically, the Spanish footballer doesn’t set the rhythm. As observed here, Mikel Oyarzabal’s car is modest (similar to that of N’Golo Kante). Also, he dresses modestly.
Mikel Oyarzabal Family Life:
Truth be told here, there has been a kind of emotional support the Basque native never have to pay for. And come rain or shine, his Dad (Ernesto), Mum and two sisters have always been there – giving him the power to defeat dragons.
Behold one of his family’s proudest moments.
This section of our Biography tells you more about his household – starting with his Dad.
About Mikel Oyarzabal’s Father:
Ernesto is best described as someone with an easygoing personality.
The Super Dad of three children takes the responsibility of managing his son’s career – even though it means putting his primary occupation on hold. Mikel and his agent Dad are very close.
Mikel Oyarzabal takes a photograph with his Dad (Ernesto). A man who has always guided him.
About Mikel Oyarzabal’s Mother:
While Ernesto ensures career stability, she does more of the home-building. Maybe I’m not right about this, but it’s my observation from many families I’ve met.
The first sons are usually the crowns of their Mums. This explains the closeness between Mikel and his Mum.
Mikel, Elene and his Mum – back in the day.
About Cristina Oyarzabal:
Like her brother, she is also highly educated – up to the university level.
Research has it that Cristina Oyarzabal is a graduate of marketing from the University of the Basque Country. This is a Spanish public university of the Basque Autonomous Community.
Cristina and Mikel have remained very close – since their childhood.
About Elene Oyarzabal:
She, the baby of the family, came to the world around the mid-2000s. Elene Oyarzabal, the youngest child of Ernesto, grew up finding herself surrounded by so much love – especially from her big brother.
While researching further, we noticed that Elene Oyarzabal’s Instagram handle bears the username elene_oyar, and she set it to private. She appears to love going for holidays as well as entertaining her over 2,300 Instagram fans.
Mikel Oyarzabal Untold Facts:
This section of our Biography reveals some lesser-known truths about the Basque striker from the Guipuzcoan town of Eibar. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Salary Comparison with the average Spanish citizen:
Every week, Mikel Oyarzabal earns approximately €57,000 from Real Sociedad – 2023 SoFIFA reports.
 Zero Tattoos:
In some sportsmen – for example, the likes of Mohamed Salah etc, genetics is the most common cause of hairy hands.
One thing very common to these stars is the absence of body art. Our very own Mikel Oyarzabal is not thinking about getting any tattoos in future.
Mikel Oyarzabal Profile:
At 24, the Spanish talent is no way near his peak, as his FIFA stats show he is an absolute genius.
Mikel has nearly everything in good amounts – and as needed by the modern-day winger. Truly, if Jack Grealish is worth 100m, so is Mikel Oyarzabal.
Oyarzabal’s FIFA stats show he is a complete footballer.
Mikel Oyarzabal Religion:
The Spanish winger is yet to share information about his faith in public. However, considering that the religion most practised in Spain is Catholicism, our odds are in favour of Mikel Oyarzabal being a Christian.
Conclusion:
When we think of the modern-day football winger, we think of persons like Mikel Oyarzabal. Big Foot, as they nicknamed him, is a master of making daring and emphatic runs that help progress the ball beyond enemy lines.
Mikel belongs to the Oyarzabal (paternal side) and Ugarte (maternal) families. Growing up with his two sisters (Cristina and Elene), Mum and Dad (Ernesto), he had a clear vision of what he wanted in life.
Considering how Mikel has excelled even beyond the realm of football (also in education), we, therefore, refer to him as one of football’s greatest’ Multitasker. The act of successfully balancing sports and academics is clear evidence of his intelligence. He, alongside Pablo Sarabia (RW), Rodri, etc., is a key figure for the Spanish national team.
Thanks for staying with us on the Life story of one of Spain’s most promising football Jewels. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our job of delivering football stories about Spanish Footballers.
We hope you find Mikel Oyarzabal’s Biography to be helpful. Asides from this memoir, we have other great Spanish soccer stories for your reading pleasure. The Life History of Ander Herrera, Unai Simon and Pau Torres will interest you.
Please contact us if you notice anything that doesn’t look right or follow best practices. Otherwise, we hope you make the most out of our other Football Stories.
