The most underrated striker in the world

If you asked the football public which players are among the favourites to win the Golden Ball or Golden Boot awards at the 2026 World Cup, the same names would come up: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, perhaps even Cristiano Ronaldo.

Either way, one name wouldn't even cross anyone's mind - Mikel Oyarzabal.

Ramos stoppage time winner sends Portugal past Croatia into last 16

After all, why would it? It's not exactly an easy name to pronounce, and more importantly, it's not in the spotlight. Who has the time to pay attention to the Real Sociedad captain? If only he played for Real Madrid or Barcelona...

But Oyarzabal is used to flying under the radar. That's where he thrives.

Actually, he did catch everyone's attention once, during Spain's World Cup opener against Cabo Verde, when he didn't touch the ball once throughout the first half an hour of the match.

Then he was noticed...and mocked.

Once he started scoring - or rather, continued to score - he was quickly pushed back into the shadows.

Six days after the failure against the Blue Sharks, he bagged a brace and provided an assist against Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, against Austria, in the Round of 32, he added two more goals to his tally.

Austria's attempts were in vain: Rangnick's team easy prey for Spain

Oyarzabal is currently the joint-third-leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup with four goals, tied with Vinicius Jr, Ismaila Sarr, and Ousmane Dembele. Still, no one sees him as a serious contender for the Golden Boot award.

Even his mind-blowing stats in the national team jersey do not help - and they are astonishing.

In his last 14 appearances for Spain, the 29-year-old scored as many goals and provided seven assists.

He is currently joint-sixth on La Roja’s all-time scoring list with 29 goals, with the third position being within reach, and one day, perhaps even the top, where David Villa sits with 59 goals.

If he maintains this form, it's not out of the question. However, even then, it still wouldn't be enough to make headlines and change the narrative.

He'd still be some Real Sociedad captain, some player whom neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona signed, and some Spain teammate of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, Nico Williams, and other stars.

That's because Mikel Oyarzabal is the most underrated striker in the world, and hardly anything is likely to alter his status.

But he doesn't seem to mind. He's used to life away from the spotlight.

Don't believe it? Just watch him thrive.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (1-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)

/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)

/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/

France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/

Wednesday

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)

/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/

England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)

/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/

Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)

/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/

Thursday

USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)

/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/

Spain - Austria 3-0 (1-0)

/Oyarzabal 36, 89, Porro 66/

Friday

Portugal - Croatia 2-1 (0-0)

/Ronaldo 68 pen, Ramos 90+4 - Perisic 53/

Switzerland - Algeria 2-0 (1-0)

/Embolo 10, Ndoye 46/

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***