Real Sociedad’s tally of world champions has risen to eight after Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph. Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino joined the club’s alumni list of World Cup winners, as confirmed by Diario Vasco on July 21, 2026. The team sits 10th in La Liga with 46 points from 38 games (11W-13D-14L), 48 points behind leaders Barcelona, and has scored 59 goals while conceding 61 (goal difference of -2).
Who are the new champions?
Mikel Oyarzabal became the first Real Sociedad player to win the World Cup while at the club. He started all eight matches and netted five goals and one assist, matching Emilio Butragueño and David Villa as Spain’s top scorers in a single World Cup. Zubimendi, after his €70 million move to Arsenal last summer, only played in the final. He came on in extra time for Rodri and celebrated with the Donostia flag. Merino, also at Arsenal, did not start any game but scored crucial late goals against Portugal and Belgium that sent Spain to the quarterfinals and then the semifinals. In the final, he nearly scored with a header and posed for a photo with his Real teammates.
Zubieta’s legacy and the youth system
Four of the eight champions - Alonso, Griezmann, Oyarzabal and Zubimendi - came through Zubieta. Xabi Alonso and David Silva won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, while Antoine Griezmann lifted the trophy with France in 2018 after growing up in the Real’s academy between 2009 and 2014. Gerónimo Rulli, who won in 2022 with Argentina, was a substitute and now plays for Olympique de Marseille. Irene Paredes, champion in 2023, debuted at Real before the women’s structure existed, though it was her first professional environment after stints at Ilintxa, Urola and Zarautz.
What does this mean for Real Sociedad?
The title boosts the prestige of the txuri-urdin youth system. Oyarzabal, Zubimendi and Merino embody a model that blends local talent with international projection. Real Sociedad, with 59 goals scored and 61 conceded, holds a tight balance this season, though their recent form (0W-4D-1L in the last five games) shows inconsistency. Their last result, a 1-1 draw at Racing de Santander on July 18, 2026, left them tenth in the table. Their next test is an away clash with Wolves on July 25, 2026.
As the pre-season begins, Real can take pride in three new world champions, but must also refocus on a La Liga campaign where the gap to Barcelona remains daunting. The challenge now is integrating this new generation into a competitive project that goes beyond symbolic milestones.
