Cazorla hangs up his boots at Real Oviedo, ending a 41‑year journey

On Thursday morning, former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla announced via his social‑media accounts that he is retiring from professional football, ending a 41‑year‑old career at Real Oviedo, the club where his senior journey began, after helping the Asturian side secure promotion to La Liga and playing a key role in their 2025 Segunda Division play‑offs triumph. “We think that life takes many twists and turns, until we understand that some stories don’t end, they just take you back to the start,” Cazorla wrote on Instagram. He added that his story began on a modest pitch in Fonciello, where a young boy first chased a ball. He continued describing his journey, noting that “little by little I made my way” and that he “never stopped trying,” before returning to Oviedo to “feel it again” and remember his origins.

Cazorla calls time after 23-year career with Oviedo farewell

Earlier this year Cazorla hinted at a possible retirement decision but stopped short of confirming it, as Oviedo were battling to avoid La Liga relegation at the time. The club ultimately dropped down, prompting the 41‑year‑old midfielder to confirm his exit. Cazorla’s career in north London saw him win two FA Cup trophies with Arsenal, including a decisive free‑kick in the 2014 final that helped Arsene Wenger’s side lift the cup. He also collected silverware with Villarreal, Al Sadd and the Spain national team, featuring in the Euro squads of 2008 and 2012.

Real Oviedo sees Santi Cazorla end playing career, eyes future role

At Real Oviedo he played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion back to the top flight and celebrated the 2025 Segunda Division play‑offs victory, leaving the side with his head held high at age 41. His farewell was captured in photographs by GLYN KIRK, JOSE JORDAN and Mike Hewitt. Arsenal supporters will remember his technical skill and hope that his post‑retirement life may one day bring him back to the Emirates Stadium. His departure underscores a narrative of a player returning to the place where his professional story began.