How Santi Cazorla Almost Joined Real Madrid – A Journey of “What Could Have Been”
You know, it’s wild to think that Santi Cazorla, one of Spain’s most magical midfielders, was so close to wearing the Real Madrid jersey—something that almost happened back in 2008. Picture this: it’s just after Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph, the tournament that changed the course of Spanish football. Cazorla, dazzling for Villarreal at the time, was suddenly told that Real Madrid had agreed terms with Villarreal to bring him in. The excitement? Absolutely off the charts.
At just 23, Cazorla was already a European champion, a left-footed maestro with incredible vision and a knack for scoring. The plan was reportedly all set: he had told his Villarreal teammates, said goodbye to some, and even prepared with his wife for the move to the Spanish capital. The Bernabéu presentation was scheduled for the very next day. Everything seemed certain. Even the big names at Madrid then—Van Nistelrooy, Cannavaro, Higuaín, Marcelo—were waiting in the squad under Fabio Capello’s watchful eye, making it feel like Cazorla was stepping into a dream.
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But football, as we know, can be unpredictable. Villarreal’s president, Fernando Roig, unexpectedly intervened. He insisted that Madrid pay the full €28 million, including taxes, for the transfer. Madrid tried to circumvent the extra cost, but Roig held firm. The negotiations cooled off, tensions rose, and suddenly, what had seemed a done deal turned into a memory. Instead of joining the Bernabéu, Cazorla renewed with Villarreal, increased his salary, and strengthened his bond with the club.
Fast forward to today, and Cazorla is back in the spotlight as he prepares to face Real Madrid again—this time wearing the Oviedo jersey. It’s a historic moment for the club, returning to La Liga after more than twenty years, and for Cazorla personally. At 40, his talent and composure are still undeniable. He openly admits that missing the Madrid move stung at first, but he harbors no resentment. “It all happened because Madrid didn’t want me enough,” he has said with a mix of humor and acceptance.
And it’s not just a trip down memory lane; this match is also a reunion of sorts. Xabi Alonso, who shared countless minutes with Cazorla in Spain’s Euro-winning squads, now leads Madrid from the sidelines. Both players have spoken highly of one another, reminiscing about their times together and the mutual respect that still exists.
Cazorla’s story reminds us that football careers are rarely linear. What seemed like a missed opportunity became a journey filled with achievements across Villarreal, Málaga, Arsenal, and finally, his beloved Oviedo. And on a historic day in the Carlos Tartiere, fans get to witness a legend facing a giant, celebrating both past memories and the unpredictable beauty of the game.
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