A special moment for Santi Cazorla last Friday. The 40-year-old midfielder kicked off the La Liga season with Oviedo against his former club Villarreal, who made sure it did not go unnoticed.
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A special tribute was paid to Santi Cazorla last Friday before Villarreal’s La Liga opener against Real Oviedo, marking an emotional evening for one of Spanish football’s most beloved figures.
The 40-year-old midfielder, who recently completed his remarkable return to Spain’s top flight with Oviedo, stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio de la Cerámica to face his former club Villarreal and the Yellow Submarine ensured that his comeback was celebrated in fitting style.
Before kick-off, Villarreal organized a heartfelt ceremony in Cazorla’s honor, recognizing not only his immense contribution to the club over the years but also his inspirational journey through adversity. The veteran playmaker, who wore the Villarreal shirt across three separate spells in his career, was presented with a commemorative jersey carrying the number 334 the total number of competitive appearances he made for the club between 2003 and 2020.
The moment was made even more special by the presence of Marcos Senna, one of Villarreal’s most iconic players and a midfield partner with whom Cazorla formed a legendary duo during the club’s golden era in the mid-2000s. Senna, himself a symbol of loyalty and resilience, handed Cazorla the shirt in front of thousands of applauding supporters. The embrace between the two veterans drew loud cheers from the stands, evoking memories of when they dictated games together in yellow. Their partnership had once been the heartbeat of Villarreal, guiding the team to memorable domestic and European campaigns, including a Champions League semi-final in 2006.
For Cazorla, the tribute was another chapter in a career that has defied the odds. Once told that he might never play again after a series of devastating injuries that nearly ended his career, the diminutive midfielder fought back through multiple surgeries and rehabilitation programs. His resilience and love for the game saw him return not only to Villarreal in 2018, where he was welcomed like a prodigal son, but also to the Spanish national team, making an emotional comeback in 2019 after almost four years away. Now, at 40, his presence in La Liga with Real Oviedo the club of his heart where his journey began has been hailed as a footballing fairytale.
Villarreal’s tribute highlighted how much the club still cherishes his legacy. Fans displayed banners and scarves with his name, while many wore replica shirts from his different eras at the club. The atmosphere before the match was more reminiscent of a farewell party than a tense league opener, underlining the affection that both club and supporters continue to hold for Cazorla.
Once the whistle blew, however, attention shifted to the game itself, and Villarreal quickly showed their strength against newly promoted Real Oviedo. Despite the emotional boost of having Cazorla in the lineup, Oviedo struggled to impose themselves against the quality and depth of their opponents. Villarreal, under new management and eager to start the season on a positive note, controlled possession and carved out opportunities with relative ease.
The home side’s persistence paid off, as Villarreal secured a deserved 2-0 victory. The goals reflected both their attacking sharpness and Oviedo’s difficulties adapting to the pace of La Liga football. While Oviedo showed flashes of determination, the step up from the Segunda División was evident, and Cazorla himself had limited influence on proceedings despite his trademark touches and vision. For him, the night was more about the symbolism of returning to the top flight and being honored by his former club than the final scoreline.
The match, though disappointing in terms of result for Oviedo, will go down as a memorable occasion in Spanish football lore. Seeing Cazorla, one of the most technically gifted and universally admired players of his generation, take the field again in La Liga at the age of 40 was already remarkable. Adding Villarreal’s touching tribute turned it into a night to remember.
In the broader context, Cazorla’s return with Oviedo represents a significant boost for the club, who are looking to consolidate their position in La Liga after finally winning promotion. His experience, leadership, and connection with the supporters could prove invaluable, even if he cannot play every game at the highest intensity. His presence in the dressing room alone is likely to lift younger players and give the team a sense of belief as they battle to secure their status in the top flight.
Meanwhile, Villarreal’s performance reinforced their ambitions for the season ahead. With a balanced squad and strong attacking options, the Yellow Submarine have their sights set on competing for European qualification once again. Their ability to blend respect for their past icons, like Cazorla and Senna, with their push for a bright future reflects a club that continues to punch above its weight in Spanish football.
Ultimately, the night belonged to Santi Cazorla a player whose story has transcended results and statistics. From his magical dribbles and long-range goals to his resilience in the face of career-threatening setbacks, he has become a symbol of joy and perseverance in football. Villarreal’s 2-0 win over Oviedo will be remembered not just as the opening chapter of the new season, but as the evening when one of their greatest ever players was once again celebrated on the pitch he graced so many times.
