Now 40, Santi Cazorla fires boyhood club to doors of La Liga with a stunning freekick

Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla, at the remarkable age of 40, has once again defied the odds, almost single-handedly pushing his boyhood club Real Oviedo to the cusp of a return to La Liga. The Spanish maestro scored a stunning free-kick that sent Oviedo into the promotion play-off final, a moment of sheer brilliance from a player whose career was once in jeopardy due to a severe leg injury that nearly led to amputation.

Cazorla's journey back to the pitch is a testament to his enduring spirit. After a two-year absence from the game, he successfully resurrected his career in 2018 with Villarreal, later moving to Qatar before making an emotional return to Real Oviedo in 2023. His commitment to his childhood club was evident in his decision to accept the lowest possible salary, driven by a singular ambition: to help Oviedo reclaim their place in La Liga after a 25-year absence from the top flight.

Forza Oviedo @RealOviedo @19SCazorla 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/pu0wkAKNDT

— Real Covid de Gijón (@REALCOVID2024) June 11, 2025

In a crucial play-off semi-final against Almería, Cazorla was introduced from the bench and wasted no time making his indelible mark. He earned a free-kick just outside the box, then coolly curled the ball home with his weaker left foot, securing a 1-1 draw on the night. This pivotal goal resulted in a 3-2 aggregate victory for Oviedo and earned Cazorla the distinction of becoming the oldest player ever to score in a LaLiga promotion play-off tie.

Real Oviedo last competed in the Spanish top flight in 2001. Now, they stand just one game away from realizing that long-held dream. They await the winner of the other promotion play-off semi-final between CD Mirandés and Real Racing Club, a tie currently level after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg. All eyes will be on Cazorla and Real Oviedo as they prepare for what could be a historic return to La Liga.