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Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta Amatriain is a Spanish football manager and former professional midfielder, best known as manager of Arsenal.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mikel Arteta Amatriain is a Spanish football manager and former professional midfielder, best known as manager of Arsenal. He played for clubs including Barcelona B, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal, winning two FA Cups with Arsenal before retiring in 2016. Arteta became Arsenal manager in December 2019 and won the FA Cup in his first season.

Early life and playing career

Arteta was born in San Sebastián, in Spain’s Basque Country. He came through youth football in Spain before beginning his senior career with Barcelona B. He later played in France and Scotland before returning to Spain with Real Sociedad and then moving to England.

Everton and Arsenal career

Arteta became an important player for Everton after joining in 2005 and was named the club’s Player of the Season twice. He signed for Arsenal in 2011, where he won two FA Cups and later became captain before retiring in 2016.

Coaching career

After retiring, Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. He returned to Arsenal as manager in December 2019 and won the FA Cup in his first season.

International career

Arteta played for Spain at several youth levels. He was not capped by Spain’s senior national team.

Key facts

  • Arteta was born in San Sebastián, in Spain’s Basque Country.
  • He played for multiple clubs including Barcelona B, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal.
  • He became Arsenal manager in December 2019.
  • As Arsenal manager, he won the FA Cup in his first season.
  • He represented Spain at youth level but never played for the senior national team.
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Canadian context

Arteta is relevant to Canadian readers through Arsenal’s global fan base and Premier League coverage in Canada, where his teams are widely followed.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mikel Arteta?
Mikel Arteta is a Spanish former professional footballer and the manager of Arsenal.
When was Mikel Arteta born?
He was born on 26 March 1982.
What position did Mikel Arteta play?
He played as a midfielder.
Which clubs did Mikel Arteta play for?
His senior clubs included Barcelona B, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal.
When did Mikel Arteta become Arsenal manager?
He was appointed Arsenal manager on 20 December 2019.
Did Mikel Arteta play for Spain’s senior national team?
No. He represented Spain at youth level but never played for the senior team.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Arteta
    Supports: Playing career, Arsenal transfer, FA Cup wins, Spain youth international status
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Arteta
    Supports: Arsenal managerial appointment, FA Cup 2020, Premier League runner-up finishes, career timeline
  3. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2qvqn03z4vo
    Supports: Birthplace and appointment as Arsenal manager in December 2019
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/mikel-arteta/profil/trainer/47620
    Supports: Date and place of birth, nationality, current role as Arsenal manager