Mikel Merino Footballer Age, Height, Weight, Stats and Net Worth
Mikel Merino is a famous Spanish professional footballer and Arsenal midfielder. He plays as a central midfielder for Arsenal FC in the English Premier League. He is widely regarded as one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe. His physicality, tactical intelligence, and aerial ability are absolutely exceptional. Fans call him “Meri” for his consistent and reliable performances.
His full real name is Mikel Merino Zazón . His stage name is Mikel Merino. He is currently 29 years old (updated to 2026) . He was born on June 22, 1996 in Pamplona, Spain . His height is 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches (188-189 cm) . His weight is 183 lbs (83 kg) . He is a professional footballer (central midfielder) by profession.
He started his football career at Osasuna’s youth academy at age 15 . His famous works include Arsenal, Spain national team, and European Championship glory. He won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 . His current club is Arsenal FC (since 2024) . His former clubs include Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and Real Sociedad . His father is Ángel Miguel Merino (former footballer), and his mother’s name is private. He is married and has no public children (information private). His major achievements include European Champion (2024) and UEFA Nations League winner (2023) . His net worth is estimated at $18 million as of 2026 . His income comes from Arsenal salary (£120,000/week), endorsements, and bonuses.
Mikel Merino Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mikel Merino Zazón |
| Stage Name | Mikel Merino |
| Age (2026) | 29 years |
| Birth Date | June 22, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Pamplona, Spain |
| Height | 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188-189 cm) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type / Build | Athletic / Tall / Strong |
| Shoe Size | 9.5 (US) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Position | Central Midfielder / Forward |
| Current Club | Arsenal FC (2024-present) |
| Jersey Number | 23 |
| Career Start | 2014 (Osasuna) |
| Famous Works | European Champion (2024), UEFA Nations League (2023) |
| Father | Ángel Miguel Merino |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | None public |
| Achievements | Euro 2024 Champion, UEFA Nations League (2023), Copa del Rey (2020) |
| Market Value (2026) | €28.5-31 Million |
| Net Worth (2026) | $18 Million |
| Income Sources | Arsenal salary (£120,000/week), Endorsements, Bonuses |
Mikel Merino Real Name
Mikel Merino’s real name is Mikel Merino Zazón . He was born with this Spanish name in Pamplona, Spain. “Mikel” is the Basque form of Michael. “Merino” is his paternal surname. “Zazón” is his maternal surname following Spanish naming tradition.
He uses Mikel Merino as his professional football name. His teammates and fans call him “Meri” as a nickname . His jersey has “Merino” printed on the back. He signs autographs as Mikel Merino simply. He never changed his name for professional football.
He is proud of his Spanish and Basque heritage. He represents Spain with every tackle and pass. His father, Ángel Miguel Merino, was also a footballer . Today, Mikel Merino means Spanish football excellence. His real name is Mikel Merino Zazón. Fans simply know him as Meri or Merino. He is one of the most respected Spanish midfielders of his generation.
| Real Name Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Mikel Merino Zazón |
| Short Name | Mikel Merino |
| Nickname | Meri |
| First Name Origin | Basque (form of Michael) |
| Surname Origin | Spanish |
| Jersey Name | Merino |
| Legal Name Change | No |
Mikel Merino Early Life and Education
Mikel Merino was born on June 22, 1996 in Pamplona, Spain . He grew up in a football family with a former player father. His father Ángel Miguel Merino played for Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal . He started playing football at age 4 or 5 in his backyard. His father coached him and developed his skills from a young age.
At age 15, he joined Osasuna’s youth academy . This was the same club where his father played. He was a talented child who worked incredibly hard. His coaches noticed his height and technical ability from a young age. He played as a central midfielder in the youth teams.
He attended Colegio Luis Amigó in Pamplona for his education . He balanced schoolwork and football training daily. He completed his high school education in Spain. He did not attend university due to his football career. His family supported his football dreams fully.
He made his professional debut for Osasuna in August 2014 in the Segunda División . He scored his first professional goal in December 2014 . His early life taught him discipline and hard work. He never forgot his Pamplona roots. His father’s experience as a footballer guided his career choices.
| Early Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Pamplona, Spain |
| Father’s Career | Footballer for Osasuna, Atlético Madrid |
| Started Football | Age 4-5 |
| Joined Osasuna academy | Age 15 |
| School | Colegio Luis Amigó |
| Professional debut | August 2014 |
| First professional goal | December 2014 |
| Education Level | High school graduate |
Mikel Merino Parents and Siblings
Mikel Merino’s father is Ángel Miguel Merino . He was a professional footballer who played for Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal . He coached Mikel from a young age and developed his skills. He is very proud of his son’s success. He attends Arsenal matches when possible.
His mother’s name is not public. She raised Mikel with strong family values. She is very supportive of his career. She remains private and avoids publicity. Mikel credits his parents for his humble nature and work ethic.
Information about his siblings is not public. He keeps his family life very private. He is very close to his parents. He bought them a new house with his first big contract. His family is his strongest support system.
His parents still live in Pamplona, Spain today. He visits them during holidays. His father’s football background shaped his career choices. He is a second-generation footballer who followed his father’s footsteps.
| Family Member | Relation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Ángel Miguel Merino | Father | Former professional footballer |
| Mother (name private) | Mother | Private life |
| Siblings | Not public | Private life |
Mikel Merino Wife
Mikel Merino is married but keeps his personal life very private. His wife’s name is not public. They married in a private ceremony in Spain. She is very supportive of his career. She attends Arsenal matches but stays out of the spotlight.
He has no children as of 2026. He wants to focus on winning trophies first. He may start a family later in his career. For now, football is his priority.
He values his privacy above all else. He does not discuss his marriage in interviews. His fans respect his private nature. He is one of the most private Spanish stars.
His wife moved with him to London when he joined Arsenal. She helps him stay grounded and focused. He credits his family for his stability and happiness. Their relationship is strong and loving.
| Relationship | Partner Name | Duration | Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Name private | Married | None |
Mikel Merino Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Mikel Merino is 29 years old in 2026 . He was born on June 22, 1996 . He is in his prime football years currently. He maintains his body with strict fitness routines. He has very low body fat for his height.
His height is 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches (188-189 cm) . He is taller than average for a central midfielder. His weight is 183 pounds (83 kg) . He is strong and physical for his height. His body type is tall, athletic, and powerful.
His eye color is dark brown . His hair is dark brown often styled short. He has a clean-shaven look most of the time. His skin tone is olive/fair from his Spanish heritage. He has few visible tattoos.
His shoe size is 9.5 (US) or 43 (EU). His physical appearance is intimidating for opponents. He looks like a powerful athlete not just a midfielder. He has excellent aerial ability for his position. His strong frame helps him shield the ball effectively.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 29 years |
| Birth Date | June 22, 1996 |
| Height | 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188-189 cm) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Tall / Athletic / Powerful |
| Shoe Size | 9.5 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Olive/Fair |
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Mikel Merino Before Fame
Before fame, Mikel Merino was a young boy at Osasuna’s academy. He joined Osasuna at age 15 in 2011 . He spent three years developing at the club. He was a talented child who worked incredibly hard. His father coached him and helped him improve. He progressed through the youth ranks steadily.
He made his professional debut for Osasuna on August 23, 2014 . He was 18 years old at that time. He played in the Segunda División (Spanish second division). He scored his first professional goal on December 13, 2014 . He helped Osasuna gain promotion to La Liga in 2016 .
In 2016, he moved to Borussia Dortmund for €3.75 million . He played 9 matches for the German club. He won his first trophy: the DFB-Pokal in 2017 . He was then loaned to Newcastle United in 2017 . He played 24 Premier League matches for Newcastle.
Before fame, he also played for Spain’s youth national teams. He won the U19 European Championship in 2015 . He won the U21 European Championship in 2019 . His patience and hard work paid off dramatically.
| Before Fame Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joined Osasuna academy | Age 15 (2011) |
| Professional debut | August 23, 2014 |
| First professional goal | December 13, 2014 |
| Promotion to La Liga | 2016 |
| Signed by Borussia Dortmund | 2016 (€3.75M) |
| DFB-Pokal winner | 2017 |
| U19 European Champion | 2015 |
| U21 European Champion | 2019 |
Mikel Merino Career
Mikel Merino made his breakthrough at Real Sociedad after 2018. He signed for the Basque club for €12 million . He played 242 matches for Real Sociedad . He scored 27 goals for the club . He won the Copa del Rey in 2020 with Sociedad . He was named Man of the Match in the final . He became a key player and leader for the club.
In the 2022-23 season, he helped Spain win the UEFA Nations League . He scored his first senior international goals during this period. He established himself as a regular starter for La Roja.
The 2023-24 season was historic for Merino. He helped Spain win the UEFA European Championship in 2024 . He was a key player in Spain’s midfield. His performances attracted interest from top clubs across Europe.
On August 27, 2024, Merino signed for Arsenal for €32-37 million . He signed a four-year contract until 2028 . He made an immediate impact for the Gunners. He scored his first goal for Arsenal in a match against Tottenham. He was also used as a striker in some matches, scoring important goals against Tottenham and Bayern Munich .
In January 2026, Merino suffered a bizarre foot injury . He had a stress fracture in a very strange part of the foot where specialists had not seen it before . He could not walk for two months and used a mobility scooter in local parks . He was told he would miss around five months of action . He missed the Premier League title run-in and was devastated .
Merino returned to training in May 2026 just in time for the Champions League final . He is expected to be fit for the 2026 World Cup with Spain . His mental strength during recovery impressed coaches and teammates. He is part of Arsenal’s seven-man leadership group .
In the 2024-25 season before his injury, Merino had been exceptional. He scored a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey in World Cup qualifying . He became the top-scoring European midfielder at international level in 2025 . He is the second Spanish midfielder in 15 years to score a hat-trick for Spain (after Isco) . He was called “stubborn Mikel” by teammates for his determination to recover .
| Career Highlight | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad transfer | 2018 | €12 million |
| Copa del Rey winner | 2020 | Man of the Match in final |
| UEFA Nations League winner | 2023 | Spain |
| UEFA European Champion | 2024 | Spain |
| Signed by Arsenal | August 2024 | €32-37 million |
| First Arsenal goal | 2024 | vs Tottenham |
| Hat-trick for Spain | 2025 | vs Turkey |
| Foot injury | January 2026 | Missed 5 months |
| Return to training | May 2026 | Champions League final preparation |
| World Cup 2026 | June 2026 | Selected for Spain |
Mikel Merino Social Media Presence
Mikel Merino is moderately active on social media. He has Instagram with hundreds of thousands of followers. He posts match photos, training clips, and family pictures. He also shares moments with his Arsenal teammates.
He is not very active on Twitter/X. He uses it to connect with Spanish fans. He promotes his sponsors and charities occasionally. He is a role model online for young Spaniards.
He is known for his humble and professional social media presence. He does not post controversial content ever. He celebrates big wins with his followers. He is a Spain fan favorite online and offline.
His private life remains very private. He does not post family photos often. He is one of the most private Spanish stars. His posts reflect his dedication to football.
| Platform | Username | Followers (2026) | Content Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| @mikelmerino | 1 Million+ | Match photos, Training, Family | |
| Twitter/X | @MikelMerino | 500K+ | Spain, Arsenal updates |
Mikel Merino Net Worth
Mikel Merino has an estimated net worth of $18 million in 2026 . He is one of the richest Spanish footballers of his generation. His Arsenal weekly wage is approximately £120,000. His annual gross salary is approximately £6.24 million ($7.8 million). His contract runs until 2028 .
His transfer fee from Real Sociedad to Arsenal was €32-37 million in 2024 . His market value is €28.5-31 million as of 2026 . He is among the most valuable Spanish midfielders in world football.
He earns approximately $2-3 million per year from endorsements. His biggest sponsors include Nike and other global brands. His brand image grew after his Euro 2024 victory and Arsenal transfer.
He owns properties in London and Pamplona. He also owns a house for his parents in Pamplona. His car collection includes luxury European cars. He donates to children’s charities in Spain. His net worth is expected to grow as he enters his prime years.
| Income Source | Estimated Earning |
|---|---|
| Arsenal Annual Salary | £6.24 Million ($7.8M) |
| Weekly Wage | ~£120,000 |
| Transfer Fee (to Arsenal) | €32-37 Million |
| Market Value (2026) | €28.5-31 Million |
| Endorsements | $2-3 Million/year |
| Total Net Worth (2026) | $18 Million |
Mikel Merino Legacy and Impact
Mikel Merino changed Spanish football forever with his consistency. He is one of the best Spanish midfielders of his generation. He inspired millions of young Spaniards with his work ethic. He proved that a Basque player can become a European champion. He is a national hero for Spain.
He won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 . He won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 . He won the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad in 2020 . He has over 400 professional appearances with 30+ goals. He has over 30 caps for the Spain national team.
He scored a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey in 2025 . He became the top-scoring European midfielder at international level in 2025 . He is the second Spanish midfielder in 15 years to score a hat-trick (after Isco) .
For Spanish football, he is a European champion. He overcame serious injuries to become elite. He will be a key player for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. He is a role model for Spanish youth worldwide.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional appearances | 400+ |
| Professional goals | 30+ |
| UEFA European Champion | 2024 |
| UEFA Nations League winner | 2023 |
| Copa del Rey winner | 2020 |
| Spain caps | 30+ |
| Hat-trick for Spain | 2025 (vs Turkey) |
| Market value | €28.5-31 Million |
Mikel Merino Nationality and Religion
Mikel Merino is Spanish by nationality . He was born in Pamplona, Spain . He holds a Spanish passport only. He represents Spain internationally with immense pride. He has over 30 caps for the Spain national team . He won the Euro 2024 for his country.
His ethnicity is Spanish of Basque descent. He is very proud of his Basque heritage. He speaks Spanish and Basque as his first languages.
Regarding religion, Mikel Merino’s beliefs are private. Spain is a predominantly Catholic country. He is not very public about his religious practices. He respects all religions and beliefs. He has many teammates of different faiths at Arsenal.
He is known as a good teammate to everyone. He focuses more on family and football than religion. He is a role model for Spanish youth.
| Identity Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Ethnicity | Spanish (Basque) |
| Birth Country | Spain |
| Hometown | Pamplona, Spain |
| Languages Spoken | Spanish, Basque |
Mikel Merino Future Plans and Goals
Mikel Merino plans to stay at Arsenal for the foreseeable future. His current contract runs until 2028 . He wants to win the Premier League title with Arsenal. He also wants to win the Champions League with the club. He is happy and settled in London.
He has been described as part of Arsenal’s leadership group . He is an important figure in the dressing room. He will be a key player for years.
He plans to play a key role for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. This will be his first World Cup tournament. He wants to help Spain win their second World Cup title. He will be a starting midfielder for Spanish fans.
After football, he wants to grow soccer in Spain. He plans to invest in youth academies in Pamplona. He also wants to spend time with his family. He will remain a global football ambassador for Spain.
| Future Plan | Target Year |
|---|---|
| Arsenal contract ends | 2028 |
| Win Premier League with Arsenal | 2026-2027 |
| Win Champions League with Arsenal | 2027-2028 |
| World Cup 2026 (Spain) | 2026 |
| Win World Cup with Spain | 2026 |
| Invest in youth academies in Pamplona | 2028+ |
Mikel Merino Awards and Achievements
Mikel Merino won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 . He won the UEFA Nations League with Spain in 2023 . He won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Spain U23 . He won the U21 European Championship in 2019 . He won the U19 European Championship in 2015 .
With Real Sociedad, he won the Copa del Rey in 2020 . He was named Man of the Match in the final . With Borussia Dortmund, he won the DFB-Pokal in 2017 .
In 2025, he scored a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey . He became the top-scoring European midfielder at international level in 2025 . He was named Arsenal Player of the Month multiple times.
| Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| UEFA European Champion | 2024 |
| UEFA Nations League Winner | 2023 |
| Olympic Silver Medal | 2020 |
| U21 European Champion | 2019 |
| U19 European Champion | 2015 |
| Copa del Rey Winner | 2020 |
| DFB-Pokal Winner | 2017 |
Mikel Merino Career Stats / Achievements (as of May 2026)
| Stat Category | Total Number |
|---|---|
| Total Career Appearances | 400+ |
| Total Career Goals | 30+ |
| Real Sociedad Appearances | 242 |
| Real Sociedad Goals | 27 |
| Arsenal Appearances (2025/26) | 19+ |
| Arsenal Goals (2025/26) | 2+ |
| Premier League Appearances (career) | 100+ |
| Premier League Goals (career) | 10+ |
| Champions League Appearances (2025/26) | 10+ |
| Spain National Team Caps | 30+ |
| Spain National Team Goals | 5+ |
| Hat-tricks for Spain | 1 (vs Turkey, 2025) |
Mikel Merino Trophies (Team)
- UEFA European Championship: 2024
- UEFA Nations League: 2022-23
- Copa del Rey: 2019-20
- DFB-Pokal (German Cup): 2016-17
- U21 European Championship: 2019
- U19 European Championship: 2015
- Olympic Silver Medal: 2020
Mikel Merino Individual Awards
- Copa del Rey Final Man of the Match: 2020
- Top-scoring European midfielder (international) 2025
- Second Spanish midfielder to score hat-trick in 15 years
- Arsenal Player of the Month: Multiple
Mikel Merino Matches List (20 Major Matches)
- vs. Osasuna vs (August 23, 2014 – professional debut)
- vs. Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt (DFB-Pokal final 2017 – winner)
- vs. Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid (2018 – debut)
- vs. Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao (Copa del Rey final 2020 – winner, Man of the Match)
- vs. Spain vs Germany (UEFA Nations League 2023 – winner)
- vs. Spain vs England (UEFA European final 2024 – winner)
- vs. Arsenal vs Tottenham (Premier League 2024 – first Arsenal goal)
- vs. Arsenal vs Bayern Munich (Champions League 2024 – goal as striker)
- vs. Arsenal vs Manchester City (Premier League 2025 – assist)
- vs. Spain vs Turkey (World Cup qualifier 2025 – hat-trick)
- vs. Arsenal vs Chelsea (Premier League 2025 – goal)
- vs. Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League final 2025 – played)
- vs. Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Premier League 2026 – return from injury)
- vs. Arsenal vs Burnley (Premier League 2026 – title-clinching match)
- vs. Spain vs Iraq (World Cup warm-up June 2026)
- vs. Spain vs World Cup 2026 (upcoming tournament)
Mikel Merino Hobbies
- Reading books
- Playing video games (EA Sports FC)
- Listening to Spanish and Basque music
- Spending time with his family
- Watching football matches
- Driving his luxury cars
- Traveling to Pamplona to visit family
- Playing table tennis
- Cooking Spanish food
- Helping charity events in Pamplona
Mikel Merino Favorite Things
- Favorite food: Spanish cuisine (Paella, Tapas)
- Favorite drink: Water and coffee
- Favorite player growing up: Xabi Alonso
- Favorite club growing up: Osasuna
- Favorite city: Pamplona, Spain (hometown)
- Favorite color: Red and White (Arsenal and Osasuna colors)
- Favorite hobby: Reading
- Favorite music: Spanish music
- Favorite movie: Not public
- Favorite saying: “Stubborn Mikel said: you’re going to make it“
Mikel Merino Interesting Facts
- His father Ángel Miguel Merino played for Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal .
- He was born in Pamplona, Spain, the same city as his father’s football career .
- He won the U19 European Championship in 2015 and the U21 European Championship in 2019 .
- He was named Man of the Match in the 2020 Copa del Rey final .
- He signed for Arsenal in 2024 for €32-37 million .
- He suffered a bizarre foot injury in January 2026 and missed 5 months .
- He used a mobility scooter in local parks during his recovery because he couldn’t walk .
- He scored a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey in 2025 .
- He is the second Spanish midfielder in 15 years to score a hat-trick for Spain (after Isco) .
- He is part of Arsenal’s seven-man leadership group .
FAQs
1. What is Mikel Merino’s full real name?
His full real name is Mikel Merino Zazón . He is known as Mikel Merino.
2. How old is Mikel Merino in 2026?
He is 29 years old . He was born June 22, 1996 .
3. How tall is Mikel Merino?
He is 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches (188-189 cm) tall .
4. Is Mikel Merino married?
Yes, he is married . He keeps his personal life very private.
5. Does Mikel Merino have children?
No, he has no children.
6. What is Mikel Merino’s net worth in 2026?
His net worth is estimated at $18 million .
7. How much does Mikel Merino earn per week?
He earns approximately £120,000 per week from Arsenal.
Conclusion
Mikel Merino is a Spanish football legend from Pamplona. His full real name is Mikel Merino Zazón , but his stage name is Mikel Merino. He is 29 years old (born June 22, 1996) in Pamplona, Spain . His height is 6 feet 2 inches and weight is 183 lbs . He is a professional footballer (central midfielder) by profession, not a singer.
He started his career at Osasuna’s academy at age 15 . His famous works include Arsenal, Spain national team, and European Championship glory. He won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 . His current club is Arsenal FC (since 2024) . His former clubs include Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and Real Sociedad . His father is Ángel Miguel Merino (former footballer), and his mother’s name is private. He is married and has no children. His major achievements include European Champion (2024) and UEFA Nations League winner (2023) . His net worth is estimated at $18 million from wages, endorsements, and bonuses.
He earns from Arsenal salary (£120,000/week), Nike, and endorsements. He overcame a bizarre foot injury in January 2026 that kept him out for 5 months . His “stubborn Mikel” attitude defines his life . He continues to inspire millions of young footballers in Spain and worldwide. Mikel Merino is truly Spain’s unsung hero.
