Biography
Santiago "Santi" Cazorla, born on December 13, 1984, in Llanera, Spain, is a retired professional footballer known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and agility. He began his career at Real Oviedo before joining Villarreal CF in 2003, where he gained prominence in La Liga and made significant contributions to the team's success, including reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2006.
In 2011, Cazorla signed with Arsenal FC for a transfer fee reported to be around £15 million, where he became a fan favorite and a key player for the team. During his tenure at Arsenal, he helped the club secure two FA Cup titles and was named the club's Player of the Season in his debut year. After leaving Arsenal in 2018, he continued his career at Villarreal, contributing to their resurgence in La Liga and their victory in the UEFA Europa League in 2021.
Cazorla's international career with the Spanish national team spanned from 2005 to 2018, where he earned over 80 caps and was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Renowned for his technical skill, vision, and versatility on the field, Cazorla is remembered as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, leaving a lasting legacy both in Spain and in the clubs where he played.