The 2025/26 season marks Real Oviedo’s return to La Liga after a 24-year absence, ending one of Spanish football’s most painful exiles. The Carbayones (named after the ancient evergreen oaks of the region) have finally climbed back to the top flight following their promotion via the Segunda División playoffs in June 2025, sending the Estadio Carlos Tartiere into raptures. Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is a city that breathes football. The Carlos Tartiere, with its capacity of over 30,000 and steep stands painted in royal blue, is one of Spain’s most atmospheric stadiums, and it now hosts Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid once more. Luis Carrión, the young manager who masterminded the promotion miracle, has cultivated a squad built on defensive solidity, midfield work rate, and the clinical finishing of a veteran striker. The club’s ownership—a global collective of over 20,000 shareholders known as “El Gran Exido” (The Great Rescue) who saved the club from extinction in 2012—has finally seen its patient investment bear fruit. This season’s squad reflects Oviedo’s identity: homegrown Asturian talent, experienced veterans who have climbed the divisions, and undervalued loanees from bigger clubs. There is no expectation of European football, only the desperate fight to avoid an immediate return to the Segunda. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Real Oviedo’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Quentin Braat
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nantes, Châteauroux (loan), Paris FC (loan), Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Quentin Braat has become Oviedo’s undisputed number one and the hero of their promotion campaign, the French shot-stopper providing reflexes, command, and big-game temperament throughout the 2024/25 Segunda season. The 28-year-old’s shot-stopping (77% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 La Liga to date) and penalty save against Real Zaragoza in the playoff semifinal second leg (2025) have made him a cult hero. Braat’s distribution (86% pass completion) remains functional, but his reflexes and 1v1 saving are his primary weapons. Having started 42 league matches in the promotion campaign and 30 in 2025/26, keeping 18 clean sheets combined, he has proven remarkably durable and consistent. Braat’s experience—including Ligue 2 and Segunda football—provides dressing room leadership. Braat’s contract runs through 2028, with Oviedo rejecting January 2026 approaches from Rennes. Braat’s performance against Barcelona in December 2025—making 10 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his La Liga readiness.
2. Oier Olazábal
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Levante, Granada, Espanyol, Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Oier Olazábal has accepted a rotational role behind Braat, providing Spanish veteran experience, dressing room leadership, and cup competition reliability following his free transfer from Espanyol. The 36-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Oier started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Braat’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Oier’s experience—including 150+ La Liga appearances—provides invaluable wisdom for younger teammates. Oier’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
3. Marco Suárez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Marco Suárez has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Oviedo B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Dani Calvo (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Elche B, Elche, Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Dani Calvo has become Oviedo’s defensive captain and leader, the Spanish centre-back providing aerial dominance, organisational communication, and promotion-winning experience across four seasons at the club. The 31-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (84%) leads Oviedo’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Calvo’s tackling (2.7 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and organising younger teammates. Calvo’s partnership with David Costas has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Calvo’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2024, manages Oviedo’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Calvo’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Calvo’s performance against Atlético Madrid in November 2025—winning 11 duels, organising the defensive line—demonstrated his value.
2. David Costas
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Celta Vigo B, Celta Vigo, Barcelona B (loan), Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
David Costas has become Calvo’s long-term partner, the Galician centre-back providing Spanish technical quality, passing range, and tactical intelligence across five seasons at the Carlos Tartiere. The 30-year-old’s passing (4.7 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion), particularly his line-breaking verticals and diagonals to advancing wing-backs, initiates attacks from deep. Costas’s reading of the game (2.3 interceptions per 90) and positioning provide defensive security. His aerial duel success (79%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) complement Calvo’s physicality. Costas’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Osky
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Osky (born Óscar Rodríguez) has emerged as Oviedo’s first-choice right-back following patient integration, the academy graduate providing Spanish work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Osky’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Osky’s contract runs through 2029, with Oviedo viewing him as long-term right-back solution.
4. Abel Bretones
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Abel Bretones has become Oviedo’s first-choice left-back following his graduation from the academy, providing Spanish pace, crossing, and defensive improvement. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide balance. Bretones’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Bretones’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Sergio Sánchez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Sergio Sánchez has provided centre-back depth following his graduation from Oviedo B, offering Spanish physicality and aerial presence. The 23-year-old’s aerial duel success (80%) provides functional cover. Sánchez’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Marcelo Flores (loaned from Arsenal)
Nationality: Canadian (Mexican descent)
Former Clubs: Arsenal academy, Real Oviedo (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Arsenal (2025)
Marcelo Flores’s season-long loan from Arsenal added Canadian international creativity and right-wing depth to Oviedo’s squad, though he has also been deployed at right-back. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2025 with Arsenal; Oviedo holds no purchase option.
7. Mario Fuente
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Mario Fuente has provided left-back emergency depth following development with Oviedo B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Santi Cazorla
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal, Real Oviedo (loan), Arsenal, Al Sadd
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025, returning after Al Sadd)
Santi Cazorla’s emotional return to Oviedo in summer 2025, following his legendary spell at Al Sadd and Arsenal, added Spanish international genius, experience, and fairy-tale narrative to the midfield. The 41-year-old’s passing (5.5 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) and composure under pressure remain elite despite his age. His set-piece delivery (5 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) adds significant value. Cazorla’s minutes are carefully managed (18 starts, 12 substitute appearances), but his influence on and off the pitch has been transformative. Cazorla’s relationship with the club—where he began his professional career on loan in 2006-2007 before moving to Villarreal—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Cazorla’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role at Oviedo anticipated thereafter. Cazorla’s performance against Barcelona in October 2025—assisting the equaliser, completing 94% of passes—demonstrated enduring genius.
2. Jimmy Suárez (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jimmy Suárez has become Oviedo’s midfield engine and vice-captain, the academy graduate providing Asturian work rate, tackling, and tactical discipline across eight seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Oviedo’s standards. His tackling (3.2 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) lead Oviedo’s midfield. Suárez’s passing (87% completion) remains basic; his role involves disruption, tactical fouling, and protecting the backline. Suárez’s partnership with Santi Cazorla provides midfield balance (Suárez’s destruction, Cazorla’s creativity). Suárez’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 200 appearances—provides emotional connection. Suárez’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Borja Bastón
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Atlético Madrid B, Real Valladolid (loan), Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Borja Bastón has provided emergency midfield and forward depth following his free transfer from Atlético Madrid B, offering Spanish physicality and experience. The 32-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Nacho Méndez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nacho Méndez has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his graduation from Oviedo B, providing Spanish passing quality, work rate, and tactical discipline. The 26-year-old’s passing (4.5 progressive passes per 90, 88% completion) and work rate (11.0 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Méndez’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Francisco Maffeo
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Francisco Maffeo has provided emergency midfield depth following development with Oviedo B. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Forwards
1. Borja Bastón (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Atlético Madrid B, Real Valladolid (loan), Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Borja Bastón has become Oviedo’s captain and attacking talisman, the Spanish forward providing physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing that powered the club’s promotion campaign (19 goals in 2024/25 Segunda). The 32-year-old’s finishing (11 goals in 2025/26 La Liga) and conversion rate (24%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (73% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (80%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Bastón’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.6 pressures per 90) sets Oviedo’s defensive tone from the front. Bastón’s relationship with the club—where he has finally found stability after years of loans—provides emotional connection. Bastón’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Álex Millán
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Álex Millán has emerged as Oviedo’s primary wide attacker, the academy graduate providing Spanish pace, dribbling, and end product from the right flank. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. His creativity (5 assists) and crossing (36% accuracy) add value. Millán’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.7 tackles per 90)—suits Carrión’s demands. Millán’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Hugo Rama
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Hugo Rama has provided forward and attacking midfield depth following his graduation from Oviedo B, offering Spanish technical quality and work rate. The 27-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (3 assists) provide functional depth. Rama’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Jordi Mboula
Nationality: Spanish (DR Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Monaco, Huesca (loan), Estoril, Oviedo
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Jordi Mboula has provided wide depth following his free transfer from Estoril, offering Spanish pace, dribbling, and creativity from the right flank. The 26-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Mboula’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Enol Rodríguez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Oviedo B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Enol Rodríguez has provided emergency forward depth following development with Oviedo B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Conclusion
Real Oviedo’s 2025/26 squad represents the most remarkable achievement in the club’s modern history—a return to La Liga after 24 years built on academy graduates (Suárez, Osky, Bretones, Millán), veteran leadership (Cazorla, Calvo, Bastón), and the collective spirit of a fanbase that refused to let their club die. The defence, anchored by Dani Calvo’s physicality and David Costas’s composure, provides platform for Oviedo’s survival system—organised, deep, and difficult to break down. The midfield, dominated by Jimmy Suárez’s Asturian destruction and Santi Cazorla’s enduring genius, controls matches through disruption and occasional moments of magic. The attack, headlined by Borja Bastón’s physical presence and Álex Millán’s wide creativity, carries just enough goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Oviedo’s promotion was built on homegrown talent; eight of the starting XI in the playoff final were either academy graduates or Asturian-born. The looming challenge involves maintaining La Liga status despite the club’s modest budget and the psychological weight of the 24-year absence. Yet the Carlos Tartiere’s legendary, passionate atmosphere—amplified by supporters who remember the darkest days of the crisis (2012) when the club nearly folded—provides emotional fuel like no other stadium in Spain. Oviedo does not hope merely to survive; they fight for every point with the spirit of the 20,000 shareholders who own the club. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the most beautiful fairy tale in Spanish football. ¡Yo soy del Oviedo! Hala Oviedo.
