Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, became Spain's hero in their Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Belgium on July 5, 2024, scoring a late header in the 86th minute to secure a 2-1 victory. The goal came just days after his match-winning cameo against Portugal in the round of 16, where he scored in the 85th minute.
Merino's journey to this moment was remarkable. In March 2024, he suffered a back injury that required surgery and left him using a mobility scooter for weeks. He missed several weeks of the season but recovered in time to be included in Spain's squad for the tournament.
His performances have drawn praise from fans and pundits, highlighting his resilience and impact off the bench. Spain advanced to the semifinals, where they faced France.
