Santi Cazorla retired from professional football at the age of 41, concluding a distinguished career across club and international levels [1, 2, 3]. The former Arsenal midfielder and Spain international made his retirement official on July 2, 2026 [2, 3].
Cazorla featured prominently for Arsenal between 2012 and 2018, making 180 appearances and scoring 29 goals during his six-year spell with the English club [2, 3]. He helped Arsenal win back-to-back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015 [2, 3].
Internationally, Cazorla earned 81 caps for Spain and was part of the squads that won the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. However, an injury sidelined him for the 2010 World Cup [2, 3].
In 2016, Cazorla’s career was nearly cut short by a severe health scare. He contracted gangrene following an operation, which required 11 surgeries before he could return to play [1].
Following his time at Arsenal, Cazorla returned to his boyhood club Real Oviedo in 2022, where he played the final three seasons of his career. He contributed significantly to Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga, ending a 24-year absence from Spain’s top flight for the club [1, 2, 3].
Demonstrating loyalty and commitment to Oviedo, Cazorla earned the minimum salary allowed and donated his image rights to the club. He also requested that 10% of jersey sales be dedicated to funding Real Oviedo’s youth academy [1].
Reflecting on his career, Cazorla said, "Now that everything is ending, when the boots are being hung up, and the noise is turning into silence, everything fits together, because the ending wasn't just anywhere — I was at home" [1].
Cazorla’s retirement leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, success, and loyalty to his roots. His official departure from professional football was confirmed less than two months ago, on July 2, 2026 [2, 3].
