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Santi Cazorla’s son makes senior debut for Real Oviedo

Santi Cazorla’s son has made his senior debut for Real Oviedo, featuring in the first round of the Copa del Rey.

Santi Cazorla and Enzo Cazorla
Santi Cazorla and Enzo Cazorla

When Real Oviedo confirmed their 23-player squad for the first round of the Copa del Rey, there was a familiar surname in the group, with Enzo Cazorla receiving a call-up to the same senior squad in which his father Santi Cazorla used to feature.

Arsenal fans may also be familiar with Enzo, most notably from viral videos just over 10 years ago. The six-year-old ran riot on the Emirates Stadium pitch, up against some of the other children of Gunners stars.

Now 16, Enzo had the chance to make his senior debut for Oviedo against CD Numancia, and he ended up featuring in the match as a substitute.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

Up until that debut, Cazorla had been playing for Real Oviedo Vetusta, Real Oviedo’s reserve team. He’d made eight appearances in the Spanish fourth tier, scoring two goals from his position on the left-wing.

The Real Oviedo first-team currently operate in the Spanish second tier, La Liga 2. They were relegated from La Liga last season.

But as disappointing as their relegation was, it did perhaps create a pathway for the teenage Cazorla. He’s probably more likely to get senior opportunities while his team aren’t playing in the top flight.

On this occasion, the night ended in relative disappointment, with Oviedo eliminated from the cup on penalties. Enzo played 50 minutes of the match off the bench, most of which came in extra time. All the same, it was still a huge milestone for a very young player.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal celebrates his team's 1-0 win in the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 2, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Enzo’s father Santi made 180 appearances for Arsenal, and his most famous moment was the free-kick he scored in the FA Cup final.

Santi won two FA Cups in north London, as well as two Community Shields, but serious injury issues ultimately forced him to leave to rebuild his career with Villarreal.

That rebuild was surprisingly successful, and Cazorla went on to play for eight more seasons, including a campaign in La Liga in 2025/26. But with Cazorla now having retired, his son is getting his chance.

Santi Cazorla celebrating a goal for Real Oviedo (Photo via Cazorla on Instagram)
Photo via Cazorla on Instagram
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