Santi Cazorla’s Remarkable Return Sparks Real Oviedo’s Comeback to La Liga After 24 Years
Santi Cazorla’s career has taken an extraordinary turn in his forties, not by shining on Europe’s biggest stages or with elite clubs, but by reviving his hometown team, Real Oviedo. After spending decades away from top-flight Spanish football, Oviedo, once a club known for producing great talents, had fallen into financial hardship and lower divisions. The 2024-25 season marked a historic revival for the club, with Cazorla playing a central role in their dramatic ascent back to La Liga.
Few expected Cazorla to return to Oviedo, especially when he still possessed the skill to compete at higher levels in 2023. His decision was driven not by fame or financial gain but by deep loyalty and affection for the club that launched his career before financial struggles forced him to leave in 2003. This heartfelt return culminated in Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga for the 2025-26 season, a moment that restored hope to a city long starved of top-tier football.
Oviedo’s journey back to the top was not easy. In a tense playoff final against CD Mirandés, the team faced a deficit in the second leg and conceded an early goal, threatening their promotion chances. The turning point came when Oviedo was awarded a penalty just before halftime, and Cazorla, with his seasoned calmness, stepped up to convert the crucial spot-kick. The team rallied in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win and sparking emotional celebrations throughout the city.
Cazorla’s impact on Oviedo extends beyond the pitch. When the club faced financial ruin years ago, he was among the supporters who helped rescue it by buying shares. His return wasn’t about nostalgia but a genuine commitment to revive his beloved club, even accepting the lowest possible salary while delivering maximum effort. His career itself embodies resilience—overcoming a devastating Achilles injury in 2016 that required numerous surgeries and threatened his ability to walk, let alone play football again. Yet, his unwavering spirit brought him back to professional football, eventually leading him home to Oviedo for this unforgettable chapter.
From:News
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