The one club man who is Spain's under-the-radar hero
Mikel Oyarzabal is perhaps not the biggest name in Spain's World Cup squad, but the one who has so far shone brightest.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"It's so clear that [Yamal] is the leader of the side, that everything that everybody does has to do with him."
— Guillem Balague , Celebrity
"Sometimes people are in doubt about Spain because of the centre-forward, but Oyarzabal is doing the job."
— Cesar Azpilicueta , Athlete
"When you have someone in your team like Lamine Yamal who attracts so much attention, you know you will get more space."
— Thomas Hitzlsperger , Athlete
Key People
Cesar Azpilicueta is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defender.
Guillem Balague is a Spanish football journalist and commentator.
Lamine Yamal is a Spanish professional footballer noted for his talent and potential.
Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger.
Former Germany player known for his analysis of football.
Locations
All Coverage
Mikel Oyarzabal is perhaps not the biggest name in Spain's World Cup squad, but the one who has so far shone brightest.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Merino the unlikely hero again - as Spain wait for Lamine Yamal show
Mikel Merino came off the bench to send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals - but Lamine Yamal is still waiting for his moment to truly shine.
July 10, 2026 at 11:29 PM'Influential' Lamine Yamal has 'more to give' to Spain
BBC Sport World Cup pundits Cesar Azpilicueta and Wayne Rooney look at how Lamine Yamal performed against Belgium and feel there is "more to come" from the Spain forward.
July 10, 2026 at 09:52 PMSuper-sub Merino delivers 'killer goal' for Spain
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino coolly scores in added time to break Portuguese hearts, sending his side through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
July 6, 2026 at 09:14 PMHow De la Fuente's Spain are closing in on greatness
Before Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Guillem Balague talks to Spain boss Luis de la Fuente about their identity and Lamine Yamal.
July 10, 2026 at 06:47 AMSpain into semi-finals at expense of Belgium after Merino's late winner
Mikel Merino emerges as Spain's hero yet again as the substitute scores in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and set up a World Cup semi-final against France.
July 10, 2026 at 10:01 PMSpain's World Cup challenge built on record-breaking historic defence
If Spain are to get their hands on the World Cup trophy again, they may have their defence, rather than their attack, to thank.
July 6, 2026 at 11:16 PM