Overview
Oihan Sancet Tirapu, born on 25 April 2000, is a Spanish professional footballer who has risen through the ranks of Athletic Club's esteemed Lezama academy. Primarily featuring as an attacking midfielder, Sancet has garnered attention for his blend of technical skill, robust physical attributes, and tactical intelligence. His journey from the youth setup to the first team underscores Athletic Club's philosophy of developing local talent, and he has become a pivotal figure in their midfield.
Position
Sancet's primary role is that of an attacking midfielder, often deployed as a number 10 or in a more advanced central midfield position. His versatility also allows him to operate effectively as a secondary striker or a deeper-lying central midfielder, demonstrating an ability to adapt to various tactical setups. This positional flexibility is a testament to his comprehensive understanding of the game and his diverse skillset.
Identity
At 1.88 meters tall, Sancet possesses a significant physical presence in midfield, which he combines with agility and close control. He is often identified by his capacity to link play between midfield and attack, create goal-scoring opportunities for teammates, and contribute with goals himself. His playing style is characterized by incisive passing, dribbling in tight spaces, and a notable work rate that includes defensive contributions. Sancet represents a modern midfielder—capable of influencing both phases of play from a central area.
Career path
Oihan Sancet's footballing journey began in his hometown of Iruñea before he joined the highly regarded youth academy of Athletic Club in 2015 at the age of 15. This move marked the beginning of his immersion into the club's unique philosophy, which prioritizes players of Basque origin. He quickly progressed through the youth ranks, showcasing his potential and earning promotions to higher age groups.
Basconia & Athletic Bilbao B
Sancet made his senior debut with Athletic Club's feeder team, CD Basconia, during the 2017–18 season in Tercera División. His performances there quickly led to his promotion to Athletic Bilbao B (Bilbao Athletic), the club's reserve team, in Segunda División B. He signed a new long-term contract with the club in June 2018, extending his commitment until 2024, signaling the club's belief in his future potential [Athletic Club]. He made his debut for Bilbao Athletic in August 2018, but a serious knee injury sustained early in that season limited his appearances.
Athletic Club Senior Team
Despite the injury setback, Sancet's talent was undeniable, and he made his first-team debut for Athletic Club on 16 August 2019, coming on as a substitute in a La Liga match against Barcelona [Transfermarkt]. His integration into the senior squad was gradual but consistent. Over the subsequent seasons, he solidified his position, demonstrating his qualities as an influential midfielder. He scored his first La Liga goal in June 2020 against Osasuna [Soccerway], marking a significant milestone in his senior career. His commitment to Athletic Club was further reinforced when he signed a new contract in February 2023, extending his stay until 2032 [Athletic Club].
Playing style
Oihan Sancet's playing style is characterized by a unique blend of technical finesse, physical strength, and intelligent positioning, making him a multifaceted attacking midfielder. His attributes allow him to excel in various attacking scenarios and contribute significantly to his team's build-up and finishing phases.
Technical Attributes
Sancet possesses impressive close control and dribbling ability, allowing him to navigate congested midfield areas and beat opponents. His passing range is notable, capable of executing both short, intricate passes to maintain possession and longer, penetrative balls to unlock defenses. He demonstrates good vision, often identifying passing lanes that others might miss, leading to key chances. His shooting from distance is also a threat, and he has a knack for arriving late in the box to convert opportunities [FBref].
Physicality and Work Rate
Standing at 1.88 meters, Sancet leverages his height and strength effectively in duels and holds-up play. He is adept at shielding the ball, allowing teammates to join the attack. Beyond his attacking contributions, Sancet is known for his defensive work rate. He tracks back diligently, engages in pressing, and contributes to regaining possession, reflecting a modern midfielder's demand for two-way play. His ability to perform both creative and defensive duties sets him apart.
Tactical Intelligence
Sancet's understanding of space and movement allows him to find pockets between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines. He makes intelligent runs off the ball, disrupting defensive structures and providing targets for passes. His decision-making in the final third is generally sound, often choosing the right moment to pass, shoot, or dribble. While not directly comparable in all aspects, his blend of physicality, technical skill, and goal-scoring threat from midfield draws parallels to players like Jude Bellingham in terms of influencing games from a central attacking position [Sofascore].
Achievements & honours
Oihan Sancet's career at Athletic Club has seen him contribute to significant team achievements, particularly in domestic cup competitions. While individual accolades are yet to define his career, his consistent performances have been key to his club's successes.
Club Honours
Sancet played an integral role in Athletic Club's triumph in the Supercopa de España. This victory marked a significant moment for the club and for Sancet in his burgeoning senior career.
| Competition | Year |
|---|---|
| Supercopa de España | 2021 |
Individual Milestones
While specific individual awards have not yet been heavily featured in his career, Sancet has consistently demonstrated his quality, achieving significant personal milestones such as becoming a regular starter for a prominent La Liga side and earning call-ups to the Spanish national team. His continued development within Athletic Club's system suggests further opportunities for individual recognition as his career progresses.
International career
Oihan Sancet has represented Spain at various youth levels before making his debut for the senior national team. His progression through the national setup highlights his consistent performance and potential recognized by the Spanish Football Federation.
Youth Representation
Sancet has featured for Spain's U18, U19, and U21 national teams. He was a key player for the Spain U21 side, participating in qualifying campaigns and tournaments, which provided him with valuable international experience and exposure to a higher level of competition. His performances at youth level often positioned him as one of the promising talents within the Spanish football landscape.
Senior National Team
Sancet received his first call-up to the senior Spain squad in November 2023 for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches [UEFA]. He made his senior international debut on 16 November 2023, coming on as a substitute in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus. In this match, he scored his first senior international goal [FIFA], marking a memorable debut for his country. As of May 2026, he has earned 2 caps for the senior Spanish national team. His continued development at club level positions him as a strong candidate for future call-ups and potential participation in major tournaments for Spain.
What makes Oihan Sancet stand out
Oihan Sancet stands out due to his unique combination of physical prowess and refined technical ability, a rare blend for an attacking midfielder. His capacity to withstand pressure in central areas and then execute precise passes or powerful shots makes him a constant threat. He possesses an excellent spatial awareness, allowing him to ghost into dangerous areas undetected, often leading to crucial goals or assists. His willingness to engage in defensive duties, pressing opponents and recovering possession, further distinguishes him as a complete modern midfielder.
"Sancet has the physicality and the quality to dominate midfield. He can score, create, and work hard – a very complete player for his age."