Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal heads into Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina carrying one of football’s most remarkable records.
The 29-year-old has scored in every major final he has played at senior level and now has another opportunity to make history as Spain chase a second World Cup title.
His latest goal came in Spain’s semi-final victory over France, where he converted a penalty to help book a place in the final.
According to FIFA, Oyarzabal could become the first Spain player to score six goals at a single World Cup.
He is already level with David Villa and Emilio Butragueño, who each scored five goals in previous editions of the tournament.
FIFA also noted that Oyarzabal is the first Spain player to score two braces at a single World Cup.
Although his 30 international goals remain behind David Villa’s national record of 59, the Real Sociedad captain has already set a new Spain record with 14 international goals in a single season.
Oyarzabal has scored in six major finals, including two Copa del Rey finals, two UEFA Nations League finals, the UEFA Euro final and the Olympic final.
His teams have won four of those matches, while suffering defeats in the Tokyo Olympic final against Brazil and the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League final against France.
Spain will now hope their dependable big-game scorer can deliver again when they face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
