Spanish · Lugo, Spain · Born 13 December 1984Spanish footballer known for exceptional technical ability, two-footed play, and success with Spain's golden generation, winning Euro 2008, 2012 and 2010 World
Santiago Cazorla González was born on 13 December 1984 in Llanera, Asturias, Spain, and grew up supporting local club Real Oviedo, joining their academy at age eight. He progressed through Villarreal's youth system before making his senior debut, developing into one of La Liga's most technically gifted attacking midfielders, renowned for his close control and passing range despite standing just 1.68 metres tall. Cazorla helped Villarreal reach the Champions League semi-finals and later played for Málaga before Arsenal signed him in 2012. He quickly became one of the Premier League's most admired playmakers, memorably scoring a spectacular free kick to spark an extraordinary comeback against Hull City in 2014, and helped Arsenal win two FA Cups. Cazorla's career was nearly ended by a catastrophic injury: an Achilles tendon problem suffered in October 2016 developed into a severe infection that put him at risk of gangrene, requiring eleven operations over roughly 18 months, including a skin graft from his arm to reconstruct his ankle. Doctors reportedly told him he should be satisfied simply to walk normally again, let alone play professional football. Remarkably, Cazorla returned to professional football, rejoining Villarreal in 2018 before spells at Qatar's Al Sadd and a return to his boyhood club Real Oviedo in 2023. He earned dozens of caps for Spain, winning two European Championships, in 2008 and 2012, and his recovery from near career-ending injury is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern football.
Exceptional two-footed technical ability and vision as an attacking midfielder
After his ankle injury, doctors told him amputation was possible, but he made a miraculous recovery to play top-flight football again and earn a recall to the Spain squad.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling, passing and ability to use both feet equally
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the most technically gifted Spanish midfielders of his generation
Career Honours
- FA Cup 2x
- Euro 2008
- Euro 2012
- World Cup 2010
- UEFA Nations League 2021
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villarreal B | 2003–2004 | — | 40 | 4 |
| Villarreal | 2003–2006 | £11m | 54 | 2 |
| Recreativo | 2006–2007 | £11m | 34 | 5 |
| Villarreal | 2007–2011 | £11m | 127 | 23 |
| Málaga | 2011–2012 | £11m | 38 | 9 |
| Arsenal | 2012–2018 | £11m | 129 | 25 |
| Villarreal | 2018–2020 | £11m | 70 | 15 |
| Al Sadd | 2020–2023 | — | 55 | 23 |
| Oviedo | 2023–2026 | — | 84 | 3 |
 Spain | — | — | 81 | 15 |
Spanish Athletes