Mikel Merino Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Net Worth
|Mikel Merino Zazón, born on June 22, 1996, in Pamplona, Spain, is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He is currently part of Real Sociedad in La Liga and represents the Spain national team. Known for his versatile midfield play, Merino has become an influential figure both at the club and international levels.
Mikel Merino Profile
Name | Mikel Merino |
Real Name | Mikel Merino Zazón |
Date of Birth | 22 June 1996 |
Age | 28 years |
Nationality | Spanish |
Occupation | Footballer |
Religion | Christianity |
Marital Status | Single |
Net Worth | €10 Million |
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Educational Background
Details about Mikel Merino’s formal education are not widely publicized, as his career in football began at a young age. Like many professional athletes, Merino likely focused on football development during his teenage years, balancing any academic pursuits with the rigorous demands of professional training and matches.
Career
Merino began his football journey with the youth academy at Amigó before moving to Osasuna, where he made his debut for the reserve team during the 2013–14 season. He quickly advanced to the first team, debuting in August 2014 in a match against Barcelona B. During his time with Osasuna, Merino became a key player, helping the team in their campaign to avoid relegation and contributing to their eventual promotion play-offs in the 2015–16 season.
In February 2016, Merino signed a five-year contract with German club Borussia Dortmund, which took effect that July. His time in the Bundesliga was relatively short but offered valuable experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Merino moved to the English Premier League in July 2017 on loan with Newcastle United. After impressing the club, the move was made permanent by October of that year. Merino made 25 appearances and scored one goal during his time at Newcastle before returning to Spain.
In July 2018, Merino signed a five-year contract with Real Sociedad. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, despite initial challenges with adaptation and injuries. His performance improved significantly over time, and he became a regular starter. Merino played a crucial role in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey victory in the 2019–20 season, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Merino has represented Spain at various youth levels and was part of the U21 squad that won the European Championship in 2019. He made his senior debut in 2020 and was included in the squad for Euro 2024, where Spain emerged victorious. His contributions were vital throughout the tournament, including a memorable header in the quarter-finals against Germany.
Controversies
Mikel Merino has maintained a relatively controversy-free career. However, there was some uncertainty regarding his squad number following his reported transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2024, as his preferred number was already taken by the club captain. This minor issue generated some media attention but did not affect his professional reputation.
Mikel Merino Social Media Handles
https://www.instagram.com/mikelmerino/?hl=en.
Personal Life
Mikel Merino comes from a footballing family; his father, Ángel Miguel Merino, was also a professional footballer associated with Osasuna. The shared passion for football has been a significant influence in Mikel’s life. Outside of his football career, Merino is known for his quiet and reserved personality, often keeping his private life away from the public eye.
Mikel Merino Net Worth
As of 2024, Mikel Merino’s net worth is estimated to be around €10 Million.