According to Mundo Deportivo, Oyarzabal balanced training and studies during his university years and later became Spain's top scorer in the World Cup.
Oyarzabal grew up with football. Those who spent his childhood with him remember him often taking the football out of his window and going down to the park to play. He showed remarkable talent early on, participating in impromptu matches, school games, and practicing judo.
Those who know him best say that he possessed certain qualities from childhood that remain unchanged to this day: a sense of responsibility, humility, and a strong competitive spirit. He never easily gave up on any ball and was willing to take risks to continue an attack. This fighting spirit and understanding of the sport have accompanied him throughout his career.
While studying in San Sebastián, Oyarzabal persevered through training, travel, and selection processes, all while attending classes, which forced his teachers to adjust their curriculum and assessment schedules. One of his teachers recalled that initially, he was asked to complete assignments independently to demonstrate his commitment. He accepted the request without complaint and completed the assignments diligently.
His support network was equally crucial: he shared an apartment with three friends from Eibar, who were also his university classmates. They would remind him of assignments, help him manage his time, and support his studies like a small team. There are many such stories, one of which remains particularly memorable: one early morning, after returning home from a match, he found the door latched and everyone inside fast asleep. After several unsuccessful knocks, he had to contact another roommate and find another place to spend the night at 4 a.m. People laugh when they recall this incident, but it also reflects the quiet dedication behind his professional career.
Mira Pérez, Oyarzabal's teacher during his university years, told Marca, "He could come to class and also balance training and attendance. But after he started to stand out, the teachers had to adapt to his changing schedule. We were very happy to do so." Mira Pérez added, "He lived with friends from Eibar, who played an important role, and he was like one of them."
Oyarzabal was still a student when he made his official debut for the Spanish national team. His freshman advisor recalled receiving a message from Las Rozas informing him that Oyarzabal couldn't attend class, but the advisor had seen him on live television.
Since making his mark at Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal has made steady progress. He returned to the youth team on loan, where his teammates immediately recognized his superiority: stronger, faster, and more mature.
His childhood friends admit that they are no longer surprised, because every step Oyarzabal took seemed natural, a result of his self-discipline and hard work.
After becoming Spain's top scorer and playing a crucial role in the World Cup, his friends considered it a source of shared pride. One friend said, "We hope he wins the championship. Everyone praises him, and no one says anything bad about him. It's incredible."
Oyarzabal missed the last World Cup due to a knee injury, adding an emotional layer to this opportunity. For many, winning this tournament would be the pinnacle of a career built on humility and hard work.
Those who have known Oyarzabal since childhood agree on one thing: he is still the same friend, the same son, the same student. Eibar, his friends, family, and the university have not only accompanied him on this journey, but they still appear in his every decision, every action, and every match.
This sense of belonging, coupled with his calm personality and professional attitude, makes him a natural leader both on and off the field.
