Santi Cazorla Retires at 41 After Illustrious Career Including Arsenal and Spain

Santi Cazorla, the talented Spanish midfielder known for his creativity and intelligence on the field, announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41 on July 2, 2026. He concluded his career at his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, after helping them secure promotion to La Liga at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Born in Asturias, Cazorla began playing football at local club Covadonga before joining Real Oviedo's youth system at age 12. He made his senior debut with Villarreal's reserve team, spending three years there before a season at Recreativo de Huelva. He then returned to Villarreal for four more years, winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2004.

Cazorla also played one season at Malaga before moving to Arsenal, where he spent six years and became a fan favorite. During his time with the Gunners, he scored 29 goals in 180 appearances and won two FA Cups. After Arsenal, he returned to Villarreal for two seasons, then spent three years with Qatar's Al Sadd.

On the international stage, Cazorla was a key member of Spain's golden generation, winning the UEFA European Championship twice in 2008 and 2012. He earned 81 caps and scored 15 goals for the national team but missed the 2010 World Cup due to injury. His career is remembered for his technical skill and significant contributions to both club and country.