The 2025/26 season finds Real Sociedad firmly established as La Liga’s most consistently overachieving club outside the traditional superpowers, a model of sustainable excellence built upon one of Europe’s finest academy systems. Imanol Alguacil, now in his eighth full season at the Reale Arena, has transformed the Txuri-urdin (white and blue) from a perpetual mid-table side into regular European qualifiers and Copa del Rey contenders. The club’s identity—possession-based football, high pressing, and heavy reliance on homegrown products from the Zubieta academy—remains intact despite the departures of iconic figures like Mikel Oyarzabal (to Bayern Munich in 2024) and Martín Zubimendi (to Arsenal in 2024). San Sebastián, one of Spanish football’s most beautiful cities, continues to provide a spectacular backdrop for a team that plays with intelligence, technical purity, and tactical discipline. This season’s roster reflects Alguacil’s ability to regenerate: new heroes have emerged from Zubieta, strategic signings have filled critical gaps, and veteran leaders maintain the club’s competitive standards. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Real Sociedad’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Álex Remiro
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao, Levante (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2019)
Álex Remiro has become one of La Liga’s most complete goalkeepers, entering his seventh season at Real Sociedad and providing Spanish international pedigree (debut in 2024), distribution excellence, and shot-stopping reliability. The 30-year-old’s reflexes (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and positioning have been instrumental in Sociedad’s successive European qualifications. Remiro’s distribution (90% pass completion), particularly his left-footed clipped passes to advancing full-backs and short deliveries to centre-backs, suits Alguacil’s possession-based build-up perfectly. His command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (87% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security. Having started 35 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 15 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Remiro’s relationship with Spanish-speaking teammates provides comfort; his Athletic Bilbao past (he crossed the fierce Basque rival divide) adds edge to local derbies. Remiro’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches from Atlético Madrid. Remiro’s performance against Barcelona in November 2025—making 10 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Unai Marrero
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Unai Marrero has graduated from Real Sociedad’s famed Zubieta academy to backup goalkeeper following promising development and a loan at Mirandés (2024/25, 35 Segunda appearances). The 24-year-old’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage on loan) and distribution (88% pass completion) provide functional cover. Marrero’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Marrero’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad viewing him as long-term Remiro successor.
3. Aitor Fraga
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Aitor Fraga has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Real Sociedad B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Igor Zubeldia (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Igor Zubeldia has become Real Sociedad’s defensive leader and vice-captain, entering his tenth season at the club and embodying the Zubieta academy’s production of intelligent, technically proficient defenders. The 28-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.6 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion), particularly his line-breaking verticals and diagonals to advancing wingers, initiates attacks from deep. Zubeldia’s aerial duel success (79%) and tackling (2.4 per 90) provide physical presence. His partnership with Jon Pacheco has conceded only 0.92 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons; their complementary styles (Zubeldia’s composure, Pacheco’s aggression) create defensive synergy. Zubeldia’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 250 appearances—provides emotional connection. Zubeldia’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches. Zubeldia’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—keeping Julián Álvarez quiet, playing out of pressure—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Jon Pacheco
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Jon Pacheco has emerged as Zubeldia’s long-term partner and one of La Liga’s most promising young centre-backs, graduating from Zubieta to become a first-team regular at 24. The defender’s left-footed passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion), particularly his raking diagonals and line-breaking verticals, initiates attacks from deep. His aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Pacheco’s aggression in 1v1 duels—rarely retreating, always stepping out to meet attackers—distinguishes him from more passive defenders. His partnership with Zubeldia has developed telepathic understanding; their complementary styles (Zubeldia’s composure, Pacheco’s aggression) create defensive synergy. Pacheco’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Pacheco’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €50 million release clause, protects Sociedad’s asset. Pacheco’s performance against Real Madrid in December 2025—winning 9 duels, nullifying Kylian Mbappé—demonstrated his elite potential.
3. Hamari Traoré
Nationality: Malian
Former Clubs: Paris FC (loan), Lille, Rennes
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Hamari Traoré has become Real Sociedad’s first-choice right-back, providing Malian international experience (2022 World Cup), overlapping runs, and defensive diligence following his free transfer from Rennes. The 33-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.8 per 90) provide security. Traoré’s experience—including Champions League football with Rennes—provides dressing room wisdom. Traoré’s contract runs through 2028, with Sociedad viewing him as valuable veteran presence.
4. Javi López
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Javi López has developed into a reliable right-back rotation option following patient integration and a loan at Alavés, providing Spanish work rate and crossing as Traoré’s understudy. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. López’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad viewing him as long-term Traoré successor.
5. Aihen Muñoz
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Aihen Muñoz has become Real Sociedad’s first-choice left-back, entering his seventh season at the club and providing Basque crossing, defensive positioning, and tactical intelligence. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.1 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide security. Muñoz’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Muñoz’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches.
6. Jon Martín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Jon Martín has emerged as a promising centre-back rotation option following his graduation from Zubieta. The 22-year-old’s physicality (6’2”) and aerial duel success (80%) provide functional depth. Martín’s contract runs through 2030, with Sociedad expecting increased contributions.
7. Aritz Elustondo (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Aritz Elustondo has become Real Sociedad’s club captain and longest-serving current player, entering his 12th season at the club and providing versatile defensive cover across right-back and centre-back. The 31-year-old’s tackling (2.3 per 90) and experience—over 250 appearances—provide dressing room leadership. Elustondo’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Elustondo’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
8. Kieran Tierney
Nationality: Scottish
Former Clubs: Celtic, Arsenal
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2025)
Kieran Tierney’s summer 2025 arrival from Arsenal added Scottish international pedigree, overlapping runs, and Premier League experience to Sociedad’s left-back depth following his successful loan in 2023/24. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Tierney’s defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) remains reliable. Tierney’s relationship with English-speaking teammates provides comfort. Tierney’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad viewing him as valuable Muñoz competition.
Midfielders
1. Brais Méndez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Celta Vigo
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2022)
Brais Méndez has become Real Sociedad’s attacking midfield catalyst, providing Spanish goal threat, creativity, and work rate from central and right-sided positions. The 28-year-old’s finishing (11 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide elite production from midfield. His left-footed shooting from distance (4 goals from outside the box in 2025/26) adds scoring dimension. Méndez’s work rate (11.3 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (10.8 pressures per 90) suit Alguacil’s demands. His partnership with Beñat Turrientes and the wingers provides attacking fluidity. Méndez’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Méndez’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—scoring a stunning brace, both from outside the box—demonstrated his quality.
2. Beñat Turrientes
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Beñat Turrientes has successfully stepped into the massive void left by Martín Zubimendi’s departure to Arsenal, becoming Real Sociedad’s midfield metronome and Zubieta’s latest success story. The 23-year-old’s passing (5.7 progressive passes per 90, 92% completion) and composure under pressure enable Sociedad to build play through midfield against any press. His tactical intelligence—positioning (2.2 interceptions per 90), shielding centre-backs, covering full-backs—provides defensive security. Turrientes’s work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) and pressing (11.1 pressures per 90) set standards. Turrientes’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Turrientes’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €60 million release clause, protects Sociedad’s asset. Turrientes’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—controlling tempo, completing 96% of passes—demonstrated his seamless transition into Zubimendi’s role.
3. Jon Ander Olasagasti
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Mirandés (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jon Ander Olasagasti has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following patient development and a loan at Mirandés, providing Basque work rate, tackling, and tactical discipline. The 25-year-old’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and pressing (11.0 pressures per 90) provide functional depth. Olasagasti’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Pablo Marín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Pablo Marín has emerged as a promising attacking midfield option following his graduation from Zubieta, providing creativity and dribbling from central areas. The 22-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and finishing (2 goals) suggest potential. Marín’s contract runs through 2030.
5. Jon Magunazelaia
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Jon Magunazelaia has provided emergency midfield depth following development with Real Sociedad B. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Robert Navarro
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Real Sociedad
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (nominal fee)
Robert Navarro’s Sociedad career has seen limited opportunities, with the attacking midfielder spending 2024/25 on loan at Cadiz (5 goals, 3 assists). The 23-year-old’s creativity and dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90 on loan) suggest potential, but minutes remain scarce. Navarro’s contract runs through 2028, with a permanent sale likely.
7. Arsen Zakharyan
Nationality: Russian
Former Clubs: Dinamo Moscow
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2023)
Arsen Zakharyan’s Sociedad career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 14 matches in 2024/25, 10 in 2025/26) and adaptation challenges, yet the Russian attacking midfielder’s quality when fit remains evident. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (3.5 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and creativity (3 assists in 2025/26) provide flashes. Zakharyan’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad hopeful of improved fitness.
Forwards
1. Ander Barrenetxea
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Ander Barrenetxea has emerged as Real Sociedad’s primary attacking weapon following Mikel Oyarzabal’s departure, the 24-year-old winger finally delivering on his immense potential after years of injury struggles. Barrenetxea’s dribbling (4.2 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) terrorise defenders from the left flank. His finishing (12 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production. Barrenetxea’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.9 tackles per 90)—improved through Alguacil’s demands. Barrenetxea’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Barrenetxea’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €70 million release clause, protects Sociedad’s most valuable attacking asset. Barrenetxea’s performance against Real Madrid in December 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his coming of age.
2. Takefusa Kubo
Nationality: Japanese
Former Clubs: FC Tokyo, Real Madrid Castilla, Mallorca (loan), Villarreal (loan), Getafe (loan)
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2022)
Takefusa Kubo has become one of La Liga’s most entertaining and productive right wingers, his Japanese technical wizardry, dribbling, and improving end product making him a fan favourite at the Reale Arena. The 24-year-old’s dribbling (4.0 successful take-ons per 90) and close control, particularly his ability to cut inside onto his left foot, unlock packed defences. Kubo’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (10 assists) provide elite production. His defensive work rate (1.7 tackles per 90) improved through Alguacil’s demands. Kubo’s relationship with Japanese teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his commercial value for Sociedad’s Asian market is significant. Kubo’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches from Napoli. Kubo’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—scoring a stunning curler, assisting two—demonstrated his quality.
3. Umar Sadiq
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Roma, Almería
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2022)
Umar Sadiq has finally delivered on his significant transfer fee following his recovery from an ACL rupture (2022/23), becoming Real Sociedad’s first-choice striker and physical focal point. The 28-year-old’s physicality (6’4”, 85kg) and hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal) occupy defenders, creating space for Barrenetxea and Kubo. His finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and aerial duel success (81%) provide consistent scoring threat. Sadiq’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) suits Alguacil’s system. Sadiq’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad rejecting January 2026 approaches. Sadiq’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby—scoring a brace, winning 10 duels—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
4. Mohamed-Ali Cho
Nationality: French (Ivorian descent)
Former Clubs: Angers, Real Sociedad
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2023, following loan)
Mohamed-Ali Cho has accepted a rotational role following Barrenetxea’s emergence, providing French pace, dribbling, and versatility across both wings. The 22-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Cho’s contract runs through 2029, with Sociedad viewing him as valuable squad piece. Cho’s performance against Celta Vigo in 2025—entering at 0-0, scoring a 89th-minute winner—demonstrated his impact ceiling.
5. Orri Óskarsson
Nationality: Icelandic
Former Clubs: Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2025)
Orri Óskarsson’s summer 2025 arrival from Copenhagen added Icelandic youth pedigree and raw finishing potential to Sociedad’s striking depth. The 21-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes, 800) and movement off the shoulder suggest elite potential. Óskarsson’s contract runs through 2030, with Sociedad expecting increased contributions in 2026/27.
6. Carlos Fernández
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Sevilla, Granada (loan)
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2021)
Carlos Fernández’s Sociedad career has been plagued by injuries (missed 20+ matches in each of the last three seasons), yet the striker remains an emergency option when fit. The 29-year-old’s contract expires in 2027, with a sale likely.
Conclusion
Real Sociedad’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled since the club’s 2021 Copa del Rey triumph, a testament to Imanol Alguacil’s coaching excellence, the Zubieta academy’s continued production, and the club’s sustainable financial model. The defence, anchored by Igor Zubeldia’s intelligence and Jon Pacheco’s emerging physicality, provides platform for Alguacil’s possession-based, high-pressing system. The midfield, dominated by Beñat Turrientes’s seamless transition and Brais Méndez’s creativity, controls matches through technique, pressing, and tactical intelligence. The attack, headlined by Ander Barrenetxea’s coming of age and Takefusa Kubo’s wizardry, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Sociedad has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Turrientes, Pacheco, Barrenetxea, and Óskarsson represent the club’s future while contributing immediately, and the Zubieta production line shows no signs of slowing. The looming challenge involves maintaining Champions League qualification (or Europa League consistency) despite selling star players (Oyarzabal, Zubimendi) and reinvesting wisely. Yet the Reale Arena’s intimate, passionate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the dark days of relegation battles in the 2000s, provides emotional fuel. Real Sociedad no longer hopes merely to compete; they expect European football annually and dream of another Copa del Rey. This squad appears equipped to deliver that objective, continuing the club’s transformation into La Liga’s model of sustainable excellence. Aupa Erreala.
