Merino's Celebration: The emotional story of a family legacy behind it
The celebration carries a deeply personal meaning. Merino's father, Ángel Merino, who also played professionally for Spanish club Osasuna, celebrated in the same fashion after scoring an important goal during his playing career. Mikel now recreates the gesture as a tribute to his father.
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Mikel Merino has emerged as Spain's hero in back-to-back matches. After scoring the winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, he once again delivered when it mattered most, netting a late goal against Belgium to send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals. But while his decisive strike grabbed the headlines, it was his unique goal celebration that sparked widespread curiosity.
After finding the net, the Spanish midfielder sprinted towards the corner flag and completed a full circle around it before celebrating with his teammates. He had performed the exact same celebration after his winner against Portugal, leaving many fans wondering about its significance.
The celebration carries a deeply personal meaning. Merino's father, Ángel Merino, who also played professionally for Spanish club Osasuna, celebrated in the same fashion after scoring an important goal during his playing career. Mikel now recreates the gesture as a tribute to his father.
The story behind Ángel Merino's celebration is equally touching.
According to Mikel, there was a time when his grandmother fell seriously ill. Before the match, Ángel told his mother not to worry, promising that he would score a goal and dedicate it to her. True to his word, he found the back of the net. In the emotion of the moment, he ran to the corner flag and circled it before celebrating, creating a memorable image that became part of the family's footballing legacy.
Over the years, that celebration has evolved into a cherished family tradition. Today, Mikel Merino proudly carries it forward, honouring both his father and the story that has been passed down through generations every time he scores a crucial goal for Spain.
