Key Takeaways:
- Santi Cazorla, aged 41, revealed he has taken a decision on his future and will make an official announcement in the coming days
- Real Oviedo currently trail RCD Mallorca in 17th place by seven points, with only five La Liga fixtures left to play
- Cazorla has played a limited role from the bench this season, after leading Oviedo to promotion via the play-offs last year
Cazorla’s Career Comes Full Circle at Oviedo
Iconic midfielder Santi Cazorla has strongly indicated his professional playing days may soon draw to a close, as Real Oviedo’s challenging return to La Liga nears its conclusion. The 41-year-old has found himself utilised largely as a substitute this season, following the club’s first top-flight campaign in 24 years.
Cazorla initially rose through the youth ranks at Oviedo, but departed due to the club’s financial struggles, progressing instead at Villarreal. After forging a successful career that included spells at Malaga, Arsenal, and a return to Villarreal, Cazorla came back to his boyhood club after three seasons in Qatar.
🚨 Santi Cazorla hints at possible retirement: “I have made a decision and soon I will communicate it”. pic.twitter.com/I4PDPfR0Xa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2026
Honours and Public Comments
On Wednesday morning, Cazorla was honoured with the ‘Moscon de Oro’ award by the Asociacion Amigos de Grado at Oviedo’s training ground, in recognition of his exemplary representation of sporting values. During the ceremony, Cazorla confirmed that his decision regarding next season has already been made.
“This isn’t the day or the time to announce anything. The team is what’s important, and I’ll make an official announcement in the coming days. I’m focused on finishing the season, and the decision has been made, agreed upon with my family, my team, and my club,” he told Marca.
Oviedo’s Relegation Struggle and Managerial Upheaval
Only five fixtures remain for Oviedo to overcome a seven-point deficit separating them from Mallorca in safety, making relegation to Segunda a looming possibility. Cazorla admitted that the difficulties of the campaign played a role in his deliberations about retirement.
“When you get promoted after 24 years, you expect a season to enjoy, regardless of how difficult it is to avoid relegation. It’s been a tough year for everyone, and everything contributes to the decision; of course, maybe if it had been a better year… I’ve really enjoyed playing for the club of my life, and I want to keep doing that in the remaining matches.”
The season has also been disrupted by frequent changes in management. Veljko Paunovic was dismissed early on, and his replacement Luis Carrion left without securing a victory in his brief tenure. Stability arrived after Guillermo Almada was appointed in December, giving the side new impetus.
“We have many lessons to learn from this season,” Cazorla noted. “Regarding club decisions, management, and the importance of everyone pulling together and maintaining our love for this club. It’s fundamental that this club remains united, at every level. This year, at times, we lost that unity, and we can’t let it happen again.”
Recent Results and Cazorla’s Contribution
A 2-1 loss to Elche at the weekend further jeopardised Oviedo’s hopes of survival. While Cazorla played an instrumental role in guiding the side to La Liga promotion through last year’s play-offs, his involvement this season has been restricted, largely featuring from the bench.
