Meet Mikel Merino’s Parents: Ángel Merino and Maite Zazón

Mikel Merino Zazón, the talented Spanish midfielder currently excelling at Arsenal and representing the Spanish national team, has been profoundly influenced by the sporting legacy of his parents, Ángel Merino and Maite Zazón. Their unwavering support and deep-rooted connection to athletics have played a crucial role in shaping his career.

Born on June 22, 1996, in Pamplona, Navarre, Mikel grew up in a culturally rich city known for its historical significance and vibrant traditions, including the famous San Fermín festival. His Spanish heritage is deeply tied to Navarre, a region with a distinct identity within Spain. Raised in a household where faith played an important role, he follows Christianity, with Catholicism being a strong influence in his upbringing.

Mikel’s father, Ángel Merino, was a professional footballer who played as a central midfielder for La Liga clubs CA Osasuna and Celta Vigo before transitioning into coaching, notably within Osasuna’s youth system. His experience and knowledge of the game profoundly impacted Mikel’s footballing journey. On the other hand, his mother, Maite Zazón, was a professional basketball player, bringing a different athletic perspective that shaped Mikel’s overall sporting development.

Athleticism runs in the Merino family, as Mikel’s two brothers have also pursued careers in sports. His older brother, Jon Merino, followed in their mother’s footsteps by playing basketball, while the youngest, Unai Merino, plays football as a goalkeeper, carrying on the family’s sporting tradition.

He began his journey at Deportivo Amigó Football Academy, where he built a strong foundation in the game. His talent soon earned him a place in Osasuna’s Youth Academy, where he developed further before making his senior debut with Osasuna’s reserves during the 2013-14 season. This critical period prepared him for a professional career, eventually leading to opportunities at larger clubs.

Growing up in a household immersed in sports, Mikel Merino was destined for an athletic career. His parents’ guidance, dedication, and natural talent set him on the path to becoming one of Spain’s most promising midfielders. The influence of Ángel Merino and Maite Zazón, along with the competitive spirit within the family, has shaped his journey to success.

Ángel Merino

Ángel Miguel Merino Torres, born on October 2, 1966, in Madrid, Spain, is a retired professional footballer and manager whose legacy extends beyond his career, shaping that of his son, Mikel Merino.

A central midfielder with a commanding presence, Ángel played nine seasons in La Liga, making 293 appearances and scoring 26 goals, primarily for CA Osasuna and Celta Vigo. His impact was equally felt in the Segunda División, where he played 158 matches and netted 16 goals, demonstrating his consistency and adaptability across Spain’s footballing landscape.

His time with Osasuna, a club based in Pamplona, holds particular significance. Joining in 1988, he quickly established himself as a key player, marking his La Liga debut with a goal against Real Madrid in a thrilling 2-2 draw. One of the defining moments of his career came on November 5, 1991, when he scored for Osasuna in a UEFA Cup match against Stuttgart.

His euphoric celebration—sprinting around the corner flag—became an iconic image, one that would later be mirrored by his son in a historic moment of his own. After nearly a decade with Osasuna, Ángel moved to Celta Vigo in 1994, where he played until 1997—the year Mikel was born.

Following his retirement, Ángel seamlessly transitioned into coaching, returning to Osasuna in various roles, including youth coach and assistant manager. His deep connection to the club provided an ideal environment for Mikel, who began his footballing journey in Osasuna’s youth academy.

From an early age, Ángel nurtured his son’s love for the game, taking him to the pitch before he could even walk. Mikel has often credited his father’s guidance as instrumental in his development, recalling how his first steps were taken on the fields of Pamplona.

Their bond reached an emotional peak on July 5, 2024, when Mikel scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals—played in Stuttgart, the same city where Ángel had made his mark 33 years earlier.

Mikel sprinted to the corner flag in a heartfelt tribute, replicating his father’s iconic celebration. Watching from the stands, Ángel was overcome with emotion. “This was the only thing I had left,” he later said with pride, acknowledging that his son had surpassed his achievements.

Now working with the Navarre Football Federation, Ángel continues to dedicate his life to football, shaping future generations of players. His pride in Mikel is unmistakable, and he remains a constant presence at his son’s matches, supporting him alongside his wife and other children. Though his playing days are behind him, Ángel Merino’s influence on Spanish football and his son’s remarkable career endures.

Maite Zazón

While Ángel Merino shaped Mikel’s footballing path, his mother, Maite Zazón, provided the emotional stability and balance that proved just as vital to his success.

A native of Pamplona, Maite was a professional basketball player in her youth, representing local teams like the now-defunct Club Baloncesto Navarra (CBN). Her background in sports instilled in her children a deep sense of discipline and resilience—qualities that Mikel has carried throughout his career.

Unlike Ángel, whose influence was primarily technical, Maite’s impact on Mikel was rooted in emotional grounding. She has been a constant source of support, helping him navigate the highs and lows of professional football.

Mikel has often spoken of her calming presence, particularly during pivotal transitions such as his moves abroad to Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. Her emphasis on family unity and emotional well-being provided him with perspective, ensuring that he remained grounded despite the pressures of the sport.

Maite’s sporting heritage also shaped the family dynamic, fostering an environment where competition and encouragement went hand in hand. Mikel’s younger brothers, Jon and Unai, both pursued athletic careers—Jon in basketball and Unai as a football goalkeeper—continuing the family’s legacy in sports. Growing up in this atmosphere helped Mikel develop both his competitive drive and his strong sense of teamwork.

Her role was significant during Mikel’s international debut for Spain on September 3, 2020, in Stuttgart. Watching from the stands alongside Ángel, she was overwhelmed with emotion as Mikel stepped onto the pitch to replace Sergio Busquets in a UEFA Nations League match against Germany.

Her nervous excitement at that moment reflected her deep investment in her son’s journey, highlighting her integral role in his life. While Ángel provided the tactical blueprint, Maite ensured Mikel had the emotional foundation to thrive.