Behind every successful footballer is someone who supports them away from the spotlight. For Real Sociedad captain and Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal, that person is his wife, Ainhoa Larrauri. The couple has been together for more than a decade, with Larrauri standing by Oyarzabal through his rise from Real Sociedad’s academy to becoming one of Spain’s most dependable forwards. While she largely keeps her life private, she has remained a constant source of support throughout his career. Here’s a closer look at Ainhoa Larrauri, their relationship, and the role she has played in Oyarzabal’s journey.

Who is Mikel Oyarzabal’s wife, Ainhoa Larrauri? 

Ainhoa Larrauri is a doctor from Spain and the wife of Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal. Despite being married to one of Spain’s most recognizable footballers, she has largely stayed away from the public eye.

Born and raised in Spain’s Basque region, Larrauri turned 18 in 2015, a milestone Oyarzabal marked with a heartfelt Instagram post. She is now 29 years old.

Larrauri completed her early education in the Basque Country before pursuing a medical degree in Spain. She balanced the demands of medical school while Oyarzabal progressed through Real Sociedad’s academy and established himself as one of the country’s top forwards.

What is Ainhoa Larrauri’s profession?  

Ainhoa became a doctor specialising in being a resident doctor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She actively practices medicine in Pamplona, Spain, located in the Navarre region.

Her focus on medicine provides a distinct separation from the football world. As Mikel Oyarzabal noted in an interview with El País, she isn’t heavily invested in football, which directly helps him remain grounded away from the high-pressure environment of professional sports.

How did Mikel Oyarzabal and Ainhoa Larrauri meet?

Mikel Oyarzabal and Ainhoa Larrauri began dating in 2015, when they were both 18 and living in Spain’s Basque region. Over the years, their relationship has remained a steady source of support as Oyarzabal developed into a Real Sociedad captain and Spain international.

Speaking to El País, Oyarzabal credited Larrauri and his family for giving him the stability needed to succeed both on and off the pitch.

“My parents, the education they gave me, my group of friends that I still keep in touch with and talk to almost every day, and obviously my partner and my son are the people who have given me the stability I have. The order in my life is my son and my wife, my family, my friends … and then football.”

In the same interview, Oyarzabal also revealed that Larrauri’s perspective helps him switch off from the pressures of football. He joked, “Furthermore, my wife doesn’t like football too much, and that… well, it puts me in my place a bit.”

The comments offer a glimpse into the couple’s relationship, highlighting the grounded home life that has supported Oyarzabal throughout his career.

Do Ainhoa Larrauri and Mikel Oyarzabal have children? 

Mikel Oyarzabal and Ainhoa Larrauri have one son and are expecting their second child. They welcomed their first child in December 2023, with Oyarzabal missing a Real Sociedad match to be present for the birth. Although the couple has chosen not to reveal their son’s name publicly, he joined his father on the pitch after Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph in Berlin, creating one of the tournament’s most memorable family celebrations.

Oyarzabal announced the couple’s second pregnancy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After scoring against Austria in Spain’s Round of 32 victory, he celebrated by tucking the ball under his jersey, a widely recognized gesture revealing that he and Larrauri were expecting another child.

Throughout his career, Oyarzabal has often spoken about the importance of family in helping him stay grounded. With Larrauri by his side, he has built a stable home life that has supported him through the demands of club and international football.