A versatile and ambidextrous attacking player, Cazorla is noted for his speed, shooting accuracy, capacity to change the rhythm of gameplay and excellent close control, and is know for always playing with a smile on his face.
Born in Llanera, Asturias, Cazorla started playing club football for local team Real Oviedo, before being acquired by Villarreal CF six months before turning 18, as his previous club ran in to severe financial difficulties
He spent most of the first half of his professional career with Villarreal, amassing La Liga totals of 253 games and 39 goals over the course of nine seasons. He then moved to Recreativo, where he won the Spanish Footballer of the Year award for the 2006–07 campaign. This resulted in him returning to Villareal the next season, followed by a move to Málaga in 2011. In 2012, he signed for Arsenal from Málaga, where he has won 2 FA Cups, and helped the club consistently qualify for the Champions League.
Cazorla represented Spain at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, winning both tournaments, and has gained more than 70 caps. He also played for ‘La Roja’ at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.