Oyarzabal Addresses Barcelona Rumors, Names World Cup's Best 'Number Nine'

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal has dismissed rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona, emphasizing his gratitude to his current club, Real Sociedad, which he considers his home.

“I’ve said it before, I’m very happy at Real, which is like home to me. They’ve supported me even in the toughest times, when I was in my worst form. Thanks to Real, I am where I am. That pretty much sums it up,” he stated concisely on the matter during his interview with El Partidazo de Cope.

The “La Furia” goalscorer also assured that in their upcoming clash with Portugal, he wouldn't be focusing on Cristiano Ronaldo, but rather on the opposing defenders. “I shouldn't concentrate solely on him. If I need to think about specific players, it will be the defenders, because I’ll be up against them. Nobody is just discovering Cristiano now. Everyone knows what he does and what he has achieved in his career, as well as the kind of player he is. Everyone knows what a threat he is to any team just by his presence on the field. However, we will remain focused on ourselves,” Oyarzabal affirmed.

He was also asked who the best “number nine” at the 2026 World Cup is. “I wouldn't call Lionel Messi a ‘number nine’ because he represents everything football is, but I would still name him. After all, it’s Messi. But I think there are other high-level players. Ismael Saibari from Morocco, for example, is having a great World Cup. There are others, but I won't name them,” the Spaniard replied.

When asked if he plans to play for as long as Cristiano and Messi, the 29-year-old commented: “They are unique players. So it’s very, very difficult, if not impossible, to replicate what those two do, as well as Guillermo Ochoa, who also got the chance to play in the tournament. I think that’s something that doesn’t get enough attention. They always have the desire to get the most out of what they do. But the very fact that they are here, at this age, and competing at this level, is an achievement.”