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Players who played for both Arsenal and Real Sociedad
7 famous players have played for both Arsenal and Real Sociedad, including Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard, Carlos Vela and Nacho Monreal. 2 of them played for Arsenal first; 4 started at Real Sociedad.
Did you know?
- Carlos VelaEarliest on this list to play for both: Arsenal (2005–2012), then Real Sociedad from 2011.
- Martín ZubimendiLatest on this list: Real Sociedad first, then Arsenal from 2025.
- Martín ZubimendiMost separate spells: 3 across the two clubs (Arsenal from 2025; Real Sociedad 2011–2016, 2019–2025).
All 7 players, most famous first
Mikel Arteta
Spain · Midfielder · born 1982- Arsenal
- 2011–2016
- Real Sociedad
- 2004–2005
- Arsenal
- from 2021
- Real Sociedad
- 2019–2020
- Arsenal
- 2005–2012
- Real Sociedad
- 2011–2018
- Nacho MonrealSpain · Defender · born 1986
- Arsenal
- 2013–2019
- Real Sociedad
- 2019–2022
- Mikel MerinoSpain · Midfielder · born 1996
- Arsenal
- from 2024
- Real Sociedad
- 2018–2024
- Martín ZubimendiSpain · Midfielder · born 1999
- Arsenal
- from 2025
- Real Sociedad
- 2011–2016, 2019–2025
- Arsenal
- 2021
- Real Sociedad
- 2021–2022
Years are club stints from Wikidata (snapshot 2026-09-28); a loan that runs straight into a transfer is shown as one stint. “from YEAR” means no end year is recorded — it is not a claim about a current club.
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Questions
How many famous players have played for both Arsenal and Real Sociedad?
7 in our data, including Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard, Carlos Vela and Nacho Monreal. The list covers famous footballers only — players covered by at least 45 language editions of Wikipedia — so it is not every player who ever wore both shirts.
Who was the first player on this list to play for both clubs?
In our data, Carlos Vela: Arsenal (2005–2012), then Real Sociedad (2011–2018).
Where does this list come from?
Club careers from Wikidata, the open database behind Wikipedia (public domain, CC0), snapshot 2026-09-28. Senior spells count, loans included when Wikidata records them; youth and reserve teams do not. Found a mistake? Tell us via the About page.