Mikel Merino 2025: Net Worth, Contract, Salary, Career Earnings

Mikel Merino is a Spanish professional footballer. He plays as a midfielder for Real Sociedad in the La Liga and the Spanish national team.

You can follow Mikel Merino’s net worth, salary, earnings, contract, career, stats, girlfriend, and more here.

Mikel Merino’s Biography

Mikel Merino Zazón was born on 22 June 1996 in Pamplona, Spain.

Club Career

Merino made his senior professional debut for the Osasuna B team in 2013. He became a regular player of the Osasuna first team in the 2014-15 season.

After playing at Osasuna for 2 seasons (2014-16), he signed for Borussia Dortmund and played 1 season (2016-17).

He moved to Newcastle United on loan in 2017 and played for them permanently in the same year.

Later, he started playing for Real Sociedad in 2018. He is a pivotal player for this Spanish club.

Mikel helped the team to win the Copa del Rey title in 2019. He played 33 matches and scored 2 goals in the season 2022-23.

International Career

Mikel Merino’s international career has been defined by his consistent performances and contributions to Spain’s success at both youth and senior levels. He made his senior debut on September 3, 2020, under Luis Enrique in a UEFA Nations League match against Germany. Since then, he has earned 31 caps and scored two goals for Spain as of February 2025.

Merino was instrumental in Spain’s UEFA Nations League triumph in 2023, playing significant minutes in the semi-final and final. His most remarkable moment came during the UEFA Euro 2024, where he scored a dramatic 119th-minute header against Germany in the quarterfinals, helping Spain secure their fourth European Championship title. Though primarily used as a substitute during the tournament, his impact was crucial.

At the youth level, Merino won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2015 and the Under-21 Championship in 2019, showcasing his leadership and technical skills. He also represented Spain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, earning a silver medal.

Merino’s ability to control midfield play, contribute defensively, and score important goals has made him a valuable player for Spain. His performances continue to highlight his importance to La Roja as they compete on the international stage.

Girlfriend

The Spanish midfielder Mikel’s girlfriend is Lola Liberal. She is a social media star.

Mikel Merino’s Net Worth Details

Mikel Merino’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.

Salary and Contract

He earns a €3.2 million salary per season playing for Real Sociedad, and his weekly salary is €61,538.

The Spanish midfielder’s prime source of earnings is his football contract. From 2016 to 2022, his estimated career earnings were €13.595 million from football salaries.

As of writing, Mikel has 3 years left on his contract with Real Sociedad, which will expire on 30 June 2025. His 3-year contract is worth €9.6 million.

Career Earnings

Endorsement

Mikel is an Adidas-endorsed player. He will wear the Adidas Copa Pure.1 soccer cleats in the 2022-23 season.

Career Stats

International Career: Spain

FAQs

1. What is Mikel Merino’s nationality and primary playing position?

Merino is a Spanish professional footballer who primarily plays as a central midfielder, celebrated for her tactical intelligence, creativity, and ball-winning ability in top European competitions.

2. For which clubs has Merino played during her professional career?

She began her career with Osasuna in Spain, then played for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, Newcastle United in England, and has become a key player at Real Sociedad in La Liga.

3. What are Merino’s main strengths as a midfielder?

Her passing range, ability to read the game, aerial strength, and calmness under pressure distinguish her in both defensive and attacking phases, making her effective in multiple midfield roles.

4. When did Merino make her debut for the Spanish national team?

Merino made her senior debut for Spain in 2020 after representing her country at various youth levels, eventually establishing herself as a vital option in Spain’s midfield rotation.

5. What have been Merino’s notable achievements at the club level?

She played a pivotal role as Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey in 2020, helping her team with key goals, assists, and leadership in Spain’s top-flight league and European competitions.

6. How do coaches and analysts rate Merino’s value to her teams?

Coaches praise her tactical flexibility and work rate, while analysts highlight her vision, technical quality, and consistency as reasons she remains highly valued at both club and national level.

7. Has Merino faced any significant setbacks or injuries in her career?

She has endured injuries that led to spells on the sidelines, but has consistently returned to top form and regained a central place in the Real Sociedad and Spanish national teams.

8. What is Merino’s reputation within the football community and among supporters?

Supporters and teammates respect her leadership, professionalism, and humble nature, making her one of the most admired footballers in La Liga and among Spanish internationals.

9. Has Merino played a decisive role in high-stakes matches for club or country?

She has scored and assisted in critical matches, including Copa del Rey and European fixtures, delivering standout performances when stakes are highest for her teams.

10. What are Merino’s ongoing goals and ambitions for her career?

Merino aims to continue competing at the top in La Liga and Europe, win more trophies with Real Sociedad, and secure a consistent starting place for Spain in major international tournaments.