Mikel Merino

{{short description|Spanish footballer (born 1996)}}

{{family name hatnote|Merino|Zazón|lang=Spanish}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Mikel Merino

| image = Miker Merino 2018 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Merino with Real Sociedad in 2018

| full_name = Mikel Merino Zazón{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/612828|title=Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed|publisher=Premier League|date=2 February 2018|access-date=15 February 2018}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|6|22|df=y}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/mikel-merino_prs401887/person.shtml|title=Mikel Merino|publisher=Eurosport|access-date=20 September 2020}}

| birth_place = Pamplona, Spain

| height = 1.89 m{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/19778/Mikel-Merino/overview|title=Mikel Merino|publisher=Premier League|access-date=9 October 2024}}

| position = Midfielder, striker

| currentclub = Arsenal

| clubnumber = 23

| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Amigó

| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Osasuna

| years1 = 2014 | clubs1 = Osasuna B | caps1 = 5 | goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2014–2016 | clubs2 = Osasuna | caps2 = 63 | goals2 = 5

| years3 = 2016–2017 | clubs3 = Borussia Dortmund | caps3 = 8 | goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2017 | clubs4 = → Newcastle United (loan) | caps4 = 7 | goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2017–2018 | clubs5 = Newcastle United | caps5 = 17 | goals5 = 1

| years6 = 2018–2024 | clubs6 = Real Sociedad | caps6 = 190 | goals6 = 20

| years7 = 2024– | clubs7 = Arsenal | caps7 = 25 | goals7 = 6

| nationalyears1 = 2014–2015 | nationalteam1 = Spain U19 | nationalcaps1 = 12 | nationalgoals1 = 1

| nationalyears2 = 2016–2019 | nationalteam2 = Spain U21 | nationalcaps2 = 20 | nationalgoals2 = 4

| nationalyears3 = 2021 | nationalteam3 = Spain Olympic | nationalcaps3 = 6 | nationalgoals3 = 1

| nationalyears4 = 2020– | nationalteam4 = Spain | nationalcaps4 = 33 | nationalgoals4 = 3

| club-update = 16:06, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update = 22:18, 23 March 2025 (UTC)

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}

{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ESP}}}}

{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Championship}}

{{Medal|W|2024 Germany| Team}}

{{Medal|Comp|UEFA Nations League}}

{{Medal|Winner|2023 Netherlands|Team}}

{{Medal|RU|2021 Italy|Team}}

{{MedalCompetition|Olympic Games}}

{{MedalSilver|2020 Tokyo|Team}}

{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Under-21 Championship}}

{{Medal|W|2019 Italy| Team}}

{{Medal|RU|2017 Poland| Team}}

{{Medal|Competition|UEFA European Under-19 Championship}}

{{Medal|W|2015 Greece| Team}}

}}

Mikel Merino Zazón ({{IPA|es|ˈmikel meˈɾino}}; born 22 June 1996) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or striker for {{English football updater|Arsenal}} club Arsenal and the Spain national team.

After starting out at Osasuna, he had short spells with Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United before signing for Real Sociedad in 2018. With the last of those clubs, he won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey and totalled 242 appearances and 27 goals.{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/08/27/mikel-merino-abandona-la-real-sociedad-y-firma-con-el-arsenal/|title=Mikel Merino abandona la Real Sociedad y firma con el Arsenal|trans-title=Mikel Merino leaves Real Sociedad and signs with Arsenal|newspaper=Infobae|language=es|date=27 August 2024|access-date=27 August 2024}} In August 2024, he joined Arsenal.

Merino represented Spain in two European Under-21 Championships, winning the 2019 edition. He made his senior debut in 2020, being selected for Euro 2024 and winning the tournament.

Club career

=Osasuna=

Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Merino began his career with Amigó, later moving to Osasuna.{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/deportes/futbol/2014/03/17/mikel_merino_noveno_juvenil_debutar_151685_1022.html|title=Mikel Merino, noveno juvenil en debutar|trans-title=Mikel Merino, ninth youth player to debut|newspaper=Diario de Navarra|first=Fermín|last=Astráin|language=es|date=17 March 2014|access-date=23 August 2014}} He made his senior debut with the reserves in the 2013–14 season, in the Tercera División.

On 23 August 2014, Merino made his first competitive appearance with the first team, starting in a 2–0 home win against Barcelona B in the Segunda División.{{cite web|url=http://osasuna.es/noticia/_/7533/23-08-2014-el-equipo-tambin-responde.html|title=El equipo también responde|trans-title=The team also answer|publisher=CA Osasuna|language=es|date=23 August 2014|access-date=23 August 2014}} He scored his first professional goal on 21 December, the winner in a 2–1 away victory over Las Palmas.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/12/21/futbol/2adivision/1419192760.html|title=Osasuna asalta el Gran Canaria|trans-title=Osasuna take Gran Canaria|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=21 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014}}

Merino was promoted to the main squad on 31 January 2015, being given the number 8 jersey.{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/deportes/futbol/osasuna/2015/01/31/mikel_merino_llevara_dorsal_kenan_kodro_9_193453_1027.html|title=Mikel Merino llevará el dorsal 8 y Kenan Kodro, el 9|trans-title=Mikel Merino will have the number 8 jersey and Kenan Kodro, the 9|newspaper=Diario de Navarra|language=es|date=31 January 2015|access-date=3 February 2015}} He was a regular starter in his first year, helping them to narrowly avoid relegation.{{cite news|url=https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/mikel-merino-fichaje-perfil-20180712182743-nt.html|title=Así es Mikel Merino, el último fichaje de la Real Sociedad|trans-title=Meet Mikel Merino, Real Sociedad's last signing|newspaper=El Diario Vasco|first=Imanol|last=Arruti|language=es|date=12 July 2018|access-date=20 December 2022}}

In the 2015–16 campaign, Merino scored four goals from 34 appearances as Osasuna finished sixth and reached the promotion play-offs.{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/deportes/futbol/osasuna/2016/05/22/merino_le_saldre_barato_caro_borussia_centro_jugar_457095_1027.html|title=Merino: "No sé si le saldré barato o caro al Borussia, me centro en jugar"|trans-title=Merino: "I don't know if Borussia will get me for a lot of money or not, I just play"|newspaper=Diario de Navarra|language=es|date=22 May 2016|access-date=8 June 2016}} In that stage's first round, he netted a brace in a 3–1 home win against Gimnàstic de Tarragona,{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2015_16/promocion_ascenso/semifinal/ida/osa_nas/|title=Osasuna toma ventaja, pero no sentencia|trans-title=Osasuna get the upper hand, but do not get job done|newspaper=Marca|first=Gregorio|last=García|language=es|date=8 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016}} and added another goal in the second leg (3–2 victory).{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2015_16/promocion_ascenso/semifinal/vuelta/nas_osa/|title=Y el primer finalista es... Osasuna|trans-title=And the first finalists are... Osasuna|newspaper=Marca|first=Gregorio|last=García|language=es|date=11 June 2016|access-date=14 June 2016}}

=Borussia Dortmund=

On 15 February 2016, Merino signed a five-year deal with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, which was made effective on 1 July.{{cite web|url=http://www.bvb.de/News/Uebersicht/Borussia-Dortmund-verpflichtet-Mikel-Merino|title=Borussia Dortmund verpflichtet Mikel Merino|trans-title=Borussia Dortmund acquire Mikel Merino|publisher=Borussia Dortmund|language=de|date=15 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}} His first league appearance occurred on 14 October, when he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw against Hertha BSC.{{cite web|url=http://www.sport1.de/fussball/bundesliga/2016/10/mikel-merino-mit-starkem-bundesliga-debuet-fuer-borussia-dortmund|title=Merino überzeugt als Ballmagnet|trans-title=Merino gets job done as ball magnet|publisher=Sport1|first=Tim|last=Brack|language=de|date=14 October 2016|access-date=15 October 2016}}

=Newcastle United=

In July 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan; the Premier League side agreed to a clause obligating them to sign the player permanently, based on a number of appearances.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3921/transfer-zone/2017/07/28/37388872/newcastle-land-mikel-merino-on-loan-from-borussia-dortmund|title=Newcastle land Mikel Merino on loan from Borussia Dortmund|publisher=Goal|first=Ben|last=Valentine|date=28 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kicker.de/fix-dortmunds-merino-wechselt-zu-newcastle-702641/artikel|title=Fix! Dortmunds Merino wechselt zu Newcastle|trans-title=Done! Dortmund's Merino moves to Newcastle|publisher=Kicker|language=de|date=28 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017}} On 13 October, this was invoked, and he agreed to a five-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41607334|title=Mikel Merino signs for Newcastle from Borussia Dortmund in permanent deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 October 2017|access-date=13 October 2017}}

Merino made 25 competitive appearances for the Magpies.{{cite web|url=https://www.fichajes.com/a4933854601635133372-real-sociedad-la-extrana-progresion-de-mikel-merino|title=Real Sociedad {{!}} La extraña progresión de Mikel Merino|trans-title=Real Sociedad {{!}} Mikel Merino's strange progression|publisher=Fichajes|first=Juan C.|last=Navarro|language=es|date=29 July 2018|access-date=20 December 2022}} He scored his only goal with a late header in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace at St James' Park on 21 October 2017,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/21/newcastle-united-crystal-palace-premier-league-match-report|title=Mikel Merino's late header gives Newcastle victory over Crystal Palace|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Michael|last=Walker|date=21 October 2017|access-date=18 July 2020}} also providing a sole assist.

=Real Sociedad=

Merino returned to Spain on 12 July 2018, signing a five-year deal with Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee{{cite web|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/mikel-merino-joins-real-sociedad|title=Latest news: Mikel Merino joins Real Sociedad|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|date=12 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018}} reported to be €12 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.elcorreo.com/deportes/futbol/liga-primera/mikel-merino-urrutia-20180716154607-nt.html|title=Mikel Merino: "Si Urrutia ha dicho que no hubo interés, no soy nadie para decir lo contrario"|trans-title=Mikel Merino: "If Urrutia has said that there was no interest, I am not one to say the opposite"|newspaper=El Correo|first=Álvaro|last=Vicente|language=es|date=16 July 2018|access-date=17 July 2018}} His first match in La Liga took place on 18 August when he played 59 minutes in a 2–1 win against hosts Villarreal,{{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/laligatv/resumen-partido-villarreal-vs-real-sociedad-j1-laliga-santander-2018-2019|title=La Real Sociedad comienza la campaña venciendo en el Estadio de la Cerámica|trans-title=Real Sociedad start the campaign winning at the Estadio de la Cerámica|publisher=La Liga|language=es|date=18 August 2018|access-date=21 September 2020}} and his first goal on 21 September won the game at Huesca.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/cronica/2018/09/21/5ba56420e5fdea61098b4646.html|title=Mikel Merino gives nine-man Real Sociedad victory away to Huesca|newspaper=Marca|first=Pablo|last=Egea|language=es|date=21 September 2018|access-date=18 July 2020}} Despite struggling initially to adapt to his new team, also dealing with some injury problems, he eventually became a starter,{{cite news|url=https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/merino-zaldua-lesiones-20181002002509-ntvo.html|title=La lesión dejará a Mikel Merino fuera durante varias semanas|trans-title=Injury will leave Mikel Merino out for several weeks|newspaper=El Diario Vasco|first=Álvaro|last=Vicente|language=es|date=2 October 2018|access-date=20 December 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-sociedad/2019/02/06/5c59f59622601da73c8b4614.html|title=Mikel Merino se hace titular|trans-title=Mikel Merino becomes a starter|newspaper=Marca|first=Óscar|last=Badallo|language=es|date=6 February 2019|access-date=20 December 2022}} scoring four times in 32 fixtures in his first season.{{cite web|url=https://www.cope.es/deportes/futbol/noticias/mikel-merino-renovado-real-sociedad-2025-20200722_826402|title=Mikel Merino renueva con la Real Sociedad y Hugo Guillamón con el Valencia|trans-title=Mikel Merino renews with Real Sociedad and Hugo Guillamón with Valencia|publisher=Cadena COPE|language=es|date=22 July 2020|access-date=20 December 2022}}

On 7 March 2020, Merino wore the captain's armband for the first time in a 1–0 league defeat away to Barcelona.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51785880|title=Barcelona 1–0 Real Sociedad|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Shamoon|last=Hafez|date=7 March 2020|access-date=20 December 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/copa-dando-alas-20200309001347-ntvo.html|title=Mikel Merino: "La Copa nos está dando alas en la Liga porque nos ha cargado de moral"|trans-title=Mikel Merino: "The Cup is giving us wings in the League because it was a morale boost"|newspaper=El Diario Vasco|first=Miguel|last=González|language=es|date=9 March 2020|access-date=20 December 2022}} In July, he renewed his contract until 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/wherever-you-are-happy-is-where-you-want-to-be|title="Wherever you are happy is where you want to be"|publisher=Real Sociedad|date=22 July 2020|access-date=15 December 2022}}

On 3 April 2021, Merino won his first title after playing the full 90 minutes of the 2020 Copa del Rey final – delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic – against Athletic Bilbao, assisting Portu who was brought down in the box at the hour mark; Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot for the only goal at the Estadio de La Cartuja, and Merino was named player of the match.{{cite news|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/04/03/football/1617473340_092105.html|title=Athletic Club 0–1 Real Sociedad: result, summary, goal|newspaper=Diario AS|first=Paul|last=Reidy|date=3 April 2021|access-date=3 April 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.elespanol.com/deportes/futbol/20210406/mikel-merino-mvp-copa-rey-fichaje-real/571694229_0.html|title=Mikel Merino, el MVP de la Copa del Rey: "El tiempo me ha dado la razón con mi fichaje por la Real"|trans-title=Mikel Merino, the King's Cup MVP: "Time has proven me right for signing with Real"|newspaper=El Español|first=Jorge|last=Pacheco|language=es|date=6 April 2021|access-date=20 December 2022}}

In the 2023–24 campaign, Merino won the most duels for possession in Europe's top leagues at 326.{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20240601/1002257471/estratosferica-estadistica-top-europa-mikel-merino.html|title=La estratosférica estadística, top en Europa, de Mikel Merino|trans-title=The out-of-this-world statistics, top in Europe, of Mikel Merino|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Ángel|last=López|language=es|date=1 June 2024|access-date=4 June 2024}}

=Arsenal=

Merino returned to the English top division on 27 August 2024, signing a four-year deal at Arsenal for a reported fee of £31.6m.{{cite web|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/mikel-merino-signs-arsenal-long-term-deal|title=Mikel Merino signs for Arsenal on long-term deal|publisher=Arsenal F.C.|date=27 August 2024|access-date=27 August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13201652/mikel-merino-arsenal-sign-spain-midfielder-from-real-sociedad-in-transfer-worth-up-to-gbp31-6m-including-add-ons|title=Mikel Merino: Arsenal sign Spain midfielder from Real Sociedad in transfer worth up to £31.6m including add-ons|publisher=Sky Sports|date=27 August 2024|access-date=12 December 2024}} In his first training session, he fractured his shoulder in a collision with Gabriel Magalhães and was ruled out for several weeks.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/aug/30/mikel-merino-injured-first-arsenal-training-session|title=Mikel Merino out for weeks after being injured in first Arsenal training session|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Ed|last=Aarons|date=30 August 2024|access-date=31 August 2024}} He featured in his first match on 1 October, as a substitute in the 2–0 home win against Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mikel-merino-mikel-arteta-arsenal-33802223|title=Mikel Merino admits Mikel Arteta has surprised him after finally making Arsenal debut|newspaper=Daily Mirror|first=John|last=Cross|date=2 October 2024|access-date=6 October 2024}} He scored his first league goal 26 days later, heading home from a free kick in a 2–2 home draw with Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c20g783wwyqt|title=Arsenal 2–2 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Neil|last=Johnston|date=27 October 2024|access-date=27 October 2024}}

On 15 February 2025, Merino replaced Raheem Sterling in the 69th minute of the league fixture at Leicester City; as the habitual starter at centre-forward, Kai Havertz, had suffered a hamstring injury in training a week earlier, he was slotted into Havertz's position,{{cite web|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/injury-update-kai-havertz|title=Injury update: Kai Havertz|publisher=Arsenal F.C.|date=13 February 2025|access-date=15 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cd641n2nzpzo|title=Merino looks to be the answer for Arteta and Arsenal's striker issues|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Alex|last=Howell|date=15 February 2025|access-date=16 February 2025}} going on to score both goals in the 2–0 victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/15/leicester-arsenal-premier-league-match-report|title=Emergency striker Merino rescues Arsenal with double to sink Leicester|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Ben|last=Fisher|date=15 February 2025|access-date=15 February 2025}} On 8 April, having again featured as a striker, he closed the 3–0 defeat of Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium in the Champions League quarter-finals' first leg.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cx256773e2yt|title=Arsenal 3–0 Real Madrid|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Alex|last=Howell|date=8 April 2025|access-date=8 April 2025}}

International career

Merino was part of the Spain under-19 team which won the 2015 UEFA European Championship in Greece. He scored their first goal of the tournament, opening a 3–0 win over holders Germany at the AEL FC Arena in Larissa.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/0257-0ded9ff41e51-e99c993076bb-1000--slick-spain-too-strong-for-holders-germany/|title=Slick Spain too strong for holders Germany|publisher=UEFA|first=Andrew|last=Haslam|date=7 July 2015|access-date=22 March 2025}}

On 20 August 2020, Merino received his first call up to the senior side, for the initial two matches of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League against Germany and Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://www.sefutbol.com/oficial-lista-convocados-seleccion-espanola-partidos-uefa-nations-league-alemania-y-ucrania|title=OFICIAL {{!}} Lista de convocados de la Selección española para los partidos de la UEFA Nations League ante Alemania y Ucrania|trans-title=OFFICIAL {{!}} List of called-up players by the Spain national team for the UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Ukraine|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|date=20 August 2020|access-date=20 August 2020}} He earned his first cap against the former on 3 September by replacing Sergio Busquets early into the second half of a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/0261-1049ec207594-00942b3dc82a-1000--germany-1-1-spain-gaya-saves-la-roja/|title=Germany 1–1 Spain: Gayà saves La Roja|publisher=UEFA|date=3 September 2020|access-date=20 September 2020}} He scored his first goal on 12 September 2023, the second in an eventual 6–0 rout of Cyprus in a qualifier for UEFA Euro 2024 held in Granada.{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodeburgos.es/noticia/z6f584adf-e0e6-fb76-668320f83e19b7e5/202309/espana-sigue-por-el-buen-camino|title=España sigue por el buen camino|trans-title=Spain remain on track|newspaper=Diario de Burgos|language=es|date=12 September 2023|access-date=14 September 2023}}

Merino was included in the squad for the Euro 2024 finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/19692/13137394/euro-2024-squad-lists-hosts-germany-france-netherlands-england-scotland-italy-and-more|title=Euro 2024 squad lists: Hosts Germany, France, Netherlands, England, Scotland, Italy and more|publisher=Sky Sports|date=12 June 2024|access-date=5 July 2024}} In the quarter-final against Germany in Stuttgart, he scored a header from a cross by Dani Olmo in the 119th minute to secure his nation a spot in the semi-finals with a 2–1 win;{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/eurocopa/cronica/2024/07/05/66880a0746163f41978b45be.html|title=Hazaña eterna de España|trans-title=Eternal Spain exploit|newspaper=Marca|first=José Luis|last=Hurtado|language=es|date=5 July 2024|access-date=5 July 2024}} his celebration after the goal (running around the corner flag) mirrored that of his father after he had done the same for Osasuna in a UEFA Cup fixture at the same stadium in 1991.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/merino-father-celebration-spain-euro-0b0ae284c713110e30319904e47dcc5b|title=Like father, like son. Mikel Merino emulates dad’s goal celebration at same stadium at Euro 2024|publisher=Associated Press|first=Daniella|last=Matar|date=5 July 2024|access-date=6 July 2024}} He also featured in Spain's win in the final where they defeated England 2–1, achieving a continental record of four European championships,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5636758/2024/07/14/spain-basque-euro-2024-williams-merino-oyarzabal/|title=Oyarzabal, Williams, Merino: Spain’s Euro 2024 success built around Basque core|newspaper=The New York Times|first=James|last=Horncastle|date=15 July 2024|access-date=15 July 2024}} and in the process became one of 12 players who won both youth and senior Euro titles, alongside his teammates Nacho, Ferran Torres, Álvaro Morata and Rodri.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/026b-12bc7e4aa14d-013db974f3a0-1000--junior-senior-euro-double-roll-of-honour-rodri-morata-merin/|title=Junior-senior EURO double roll of honour: Rodri, Morata, Merino, Nacho, Ferran Torres join Chiellini, Iniesta, Henry|publisher=UEFA|date=14 July 2024|access-date=15 July 2024}}

Personal life

Merino's father, Ángel Miguel, was also a footballer. His career was also associated with Osasuna, as both a player and manager.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/09/26/futbol/equipos/osasuna/1411726345.html|title=Merino, la nueva joya de Tajonar|trans-title=Merino, Tajonar's new gem|newspaper=Marca|first=Gonzalo|last=Velasco|language=es|date=26 September 2014|access-date=13 February 2016}}

On 1 June 2024, Merino married model Lola Liberal in Pamplona.{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20240601/1002257622/merino-casa-pamplona.html|title=Merino: boda en Pamplona un día antes de ir a la selección|trans-title=Merino: wedding in Pamplona one day before joining the national team|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Ángel|last=López|language=es|date=1 June 2024|access-date=2 September 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://navarra.okdiario.com/articulo/sociedad/pueblo-navarra-donde-futbolista-pamplones-mikel-merino-disfruto-boda/20240605195019539900.html|title=El pueblo de Navarra donde el futbolista pamplonés Mikel Merino disfrutó a tope tras su boda|trans-title=The Navarra town where Pamplona-born footballer Mikel Merino enjoyed at full blast after his wedding|newspaper=Okdiario|first=Patxi|last=Cervantes|language=es|date=5 June 2024|access-date=2 September 2024}}

Career statistics

=Club=

{{updated|match played 20 April 2025}}{{soccerway|mikel-merino-zazon/362649}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

!rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes DFB-Pokal, FA Cup, Copa del Rey}}

!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup}}

!colspan="2"|Europe

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Osasuna B

|2013–14

|Tercera División

|5

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—50
rowspan="3"|Osasuna

|2014–15

|Segunda División

|29

100colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—291
2015–16

|Segunda División

|34

400colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—4{{efn|Appearances in Segunda División play-offs}}3387
colspan="2"|Total

!63

500colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—43678
Borussia Dortmund

|2016–17

|Bundesliga

|8

010colspan="2"|—000090
Newcastle United (loan)

|rowspan="2"|2017–18

|Premier League

|7

00000colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—70
rowspan="2"|Newcastle United

|Premier League

|17

110colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—181
colspan="2"|Total

!24

11000colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—251
rowspan="7"|Real Sociedad

|2018–19

|La Liga

|29

331colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—324
2019–20

|La Liga

|36

57{{efn|Includes appearance in 2020 Copa del Rey final (played in 2021)}}1colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—436
2020–21

|La Liga

|26

210colspan="2"|—8{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}01{{efn|Appearance in Supercopa de España}}0362
2021–22

|La Liga

|34

330colspan="2"|—6{{efn|name=UEL}}1colspan="2"|—434
2022–23

|La Liga

|33

231colspan="2"|—7{{efn|name=UEL}}0colspan="2"|—433
2023–24

|La Liga

|32

561colspan="2"|—7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}2colspan="2"|—458
colspan=2|Total

!190

20234colspan="2"|—2831024227
Arsenal

|2024–25

|Premier League

|25

6103010{{efn|name=UCL}}2colspan="2"|—398
colspan="3"|Career total

!315

32264303855338744

{{notelist}}

=International=

{{updated|match played 23 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=30951|title=Mikel Merino|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=20 September 2020}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals

rowspan="5"|Spain

|2020

60
202150
202381
2024121
202521
colspan="2"|Total333

{{updated|match played 20 March 2025}}

:Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Merino goal

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ List of international goals scored by Mikel Merino

scope="col"|No.

!scope="col"|Date

!scope="col"|Venue

!scope="col"|Cap

!scope="col"|Opponent

!scope="col"|Score

!scope="col"|Result

!scope="col"|Competition

align="center"|112 September 2023Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes, Granada, Spainalign=center|17{{fb|CYP}}align=center|2–0align=center|6–0UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying
align="center"|25 July 2024MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germanyalign=center|26{{fb|GER}}align=center|2–1align=center|2–1 {{aet}}UEFA Euro 2024
align="center"|320 March 2025De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlandsalign=center|32{{fb|NED}}align=center|2–2align=center|2–22024–25 UEFA Nations League A

Honours

Borussia Dortmund

Real Sociedad

  • Copa del Rey: 2019–20{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/03/athletic-bilbao-real-sociedad-copa-del-rey-2020-final-match-report|title=Real Sociedad beat Athletic to claim Copa del Rey and Basque glory|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Sid|last=Lowe|date=3 April 2021|access-date=3 April 2021}}

Spain U19

  • UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2015{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/0253-0d04285e495e-3e467bd54d19-1000--spain-see-off-russia-for-seventh-under-19-crown/|title=Spain see off Russia for seventh Under-19 crown|publisher=UEFA|first=Andrew|last=Haslam|date=19 July 2015|access-date=20 July 2015}}

Spain U21

  • UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2019;{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48812993|title=Spain U21 2–1 Germany U21|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Emlyn|last=Begley|date=30 June 2019|access-date=1 July 2019}} runner-up: 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40451698|title=Germany U21 1–0 Spain U21|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 June 2017|access-date=11 September 2019}}

Spain Olympic

  • Summer Olympics silver medal: 2020{{cite news|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/08/07/olympic_games/1628315614_315184.html|title=Tokyo Olympics 2021 medal count updates: who has won more? Tally by country, today, 7 August|newspaper=Diario AS|date=7 August 2021|access-date=23 August 2021}}

Spain

  • UEFA European Championship: 2024{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cp68zzx8x4rt#Report|title=Spain 2–1 England|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Phil|last=McNulty|date=14 July 2024|access-date=14 July 2024}}
  • UEFA Nations League: 2022–23;{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65944659|title=Croatia 0–0 Spain (Spain win 5–4 on penalties)|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Emma|last=Smith|date=18 June 2023|access-date=18 June 2023}} runner-up: 2020–21{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030761--spain-vs-france/|title=Spain 1–2 France|publisher=UEFA|date=10 October 2021|access-date=12 October 2021}}

Individual

  • La Liga Team of the Season: 2022–23{{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/los-premios-team-of-the-season-de-ea-sportstm-y-laliga-revelan-a-los-mejores-15-jugadores-de-la-temporada|title=Los Premios 'Team Of The Season' de EA SPORTSTM y LaLiga revelan a los mejores 15 jugadores de la temporada|trans-title=The EA SPORTSTM and LaLiga 'Team Of The Season' Awards reveal the best 15 players of the season|publisher=La Liga|language=es|date=19 May 2023|access-date=27 July 2023}}
  • La Liga Play of the Month: March 2024 (with Mikel Oyarzabal){{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/oyarzabal-and-merino-win-the-laliga-ea-sports-best-play-for-march|title=Oyarzabal and Merino win the LALIGA EA SPORTS Best Play for March|publisher=La Liga|date=28 March 2024|access-date=24 May 2024}}
  • Segunda División Player of the Month: June 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.laliga.es/en/news/mikel-merino-named-liga-adelante-player-of-the-month-for-june|title=Mikel Merino named Liga Adelante Player of the Month for June|publisher=La Liga|date=28 June 2016|access-date=29 June 2016}}

References

{{reflist}}