Spain's hero at the World Cup, Mikel Merino, confesses that his goal against Germany in Stuttgart is his favourite, but makes it clear that there is still room for more successes. The Navarre player talks about his scoring instinct, his role in the team, and the happiness he brings to the fans.
The Navarre midfielder Mikel Merino, 30, has become a key player for the Spanish national team in the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with a national media outlet, the Real Sociedad player reflected on his most special moments with La Roja and made it clear that his ambition knows no bounds. "My favourite goal is the one in Stuttgart, but there's room in the trophy cabinet," he stated emphatically.
A scoring instinct that makes a difference
Merino, who has scored two goals in just nine minutes of play in the last two World Cup matches, explained how he manages to always be in the right place. "I try to stay connected all the time, and when many people lose a bit of concentration, I aim to be two steps ahead," he noted. The player acknowledged that his effectiveness is hard to replicate: "Don't get used to this. More effectiveness is difficult."
His goal against Portugal was an example of his intelligence on the pitch. "I understood that we had some superiority, that Bernardo was protesting, and I decided to take it quickly," he recounted. That play, in the 90th minute, caught the Portuguese defence off guard and allowed Spain to equalise in a crucial match.
The role of a substitute and the mind of a coach
Despite his impact in a few minutes, Merino accepts his role from the bench with maturity. "If Luis thinks that the best thing for the team is for me to come off the bench, I have to accept it. There's no point in sulking," he assured. The player highlighted that his father, a football coach, taught him to analyse the game from a group perspective: "I’ve had to study it. With little physical effort, you can gain a lot, just by understanding where to position yourself."
The coaches he has had throughout his career have also influenced him. "It's something that characterises me, seeing the game at a group level, and not just through my own perspective," he explained. This ability has earned him the label of "the smartest" from several coaches, although he prefers to downplay the praise.
The happiness of a devoted fanbase
Merino is aware of the joy he is generating across Spain. "From all the people writing to me, all the videos they are sending me, not just from Pamplona, but from all over Spain. The happiness I see in others makes me very happy," he confessed. The player, who simply defines himself as "a footballer, someone who is happy when on the pitch," does not forget humility: "To victorious Roman generals, a slave would whisper: 'remember you are mortal'. That is very important in life."
For Madrid fans, who passionately follow every step of the national team, Merino is an example of dedication and talent. His next challenge will be the semi-final against France, where Spain will seek a place in the final. The Navarre player, with his instinct and cool head, promises to keep fighting.
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