Mikel Oyarzabal Emerges as Most Underrated Star at 2026 World Cup

Mikel Oyarzabal, the 29-year-old striker for Real Sociedad and Spain's national team, has become the most underrated star of the 2026 World Cup. Despite leading the tournament's scoring charts and having a pivotal role in Spain's recent successes, including scoring the winning goal in the 2024 European Championship final against England, Oyarzabal remains relatively unknown compared to other football superstars.

Oyarzabal's World Cup performance has been outstanding, with four goals from six shots on target, including a brace and an assist in a 24-minute spell against Saudi Arabia and two crucial goals in the knockout stage against Austria. His tally places him among the tournament's top scorers alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and Ousmane Dembele. He has scored 11 goals in his last 10 appearances for Spain and has surpassed notable Spanish forwards Emilio Butragueño and Fernando Morientes in all-time national scoring.

Former England midfielder Paul Scholes praised Oyarzabal as one of the most underrated attackers globally, highlighting his modesty and focus on performance rather than media attention. Scholes emphasized that Oyarzabal delivers exactly what Spain needed: consistent goals and assists without drama. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also noted that if Oyarzabal wore the name "Yamal" on his jersey, he might have been a contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Despite his achievements, Oyarzabal continues to live in the shadows of bigger stars, but his World Cup exploits could change that perception. If he surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring, the questions about his recognition may finally cease. The 2026 World Cup is proving to be the stage where this humble yet prolific striker is gaining the spotlight he deserves.