Santi Cazorla has retired from professional football at the age of 41. The Spanish midfielder made the announcement after completing his final season with Real Oviedo in La Liga. Cazorla spent the last part of his career back at a club with ties to his roots in Asturias, where he helped the team earn promotion to the top division before playing in Spain’s first tier.
Over a long career, Cazorla played for several clubs, including Villarreal, Malaga, and Arsenal. He also represented the Spain national team, appearing in major tournaments. His time at Arsenal stood out for his contributions in the Premier League, where he showed skill in midfield and helped the team in various competitions. Later returns to Spanish football allowed him to continue playing at a high level despite earlier injury challenges.
Cazorla made 855 appearances across club and international matches. He scored 159 goals and recorded 167 assists during that span. He collected 13 major trophies along the way, including honors with Spain and his clubs. These numbers reflect a consistent presence on the field over more than two decades.
Cazorla’s path links early experiences in Spanish football with success at bigger clubs and a return to end his playing days near home. Real Oviedo served as the final chapter after the team moved up from the second division. His decision to retire comes after a season in La Liga, where he remained part of the squad even at an advanced age for a player in his position.
The retirement marks the close of a career that connected different leagues and levels of competition. Cazorla’s ability to adapt and keep performing connects to his technical style and work rate throughout the years. Fans and former teammates have noted his impact on the teams he joined, from building play in midfield to contributing in key moments. With the numbers from his time on the pitch, his record stands as one of steady involvement across many seasons in professional football.