Official: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta awarded Royal Order by King of Spain

Mikel Arteta has been awarded the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic by the King of Spain, Soccernet.football reports.

This prestigious honour recognizes extraordinary service to Spain and international relations.

The ceremony took place at the Spanish Embassy in London. Arteta, surrounded by family, friends, and Arsenal colleagues, expressed his gratitude.

“I am both humbled and honoured to receive The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic,” Arteta said.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my family to send my sincere gratitude and thanks to the King of Spain and the Grand Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“It is a truly wonderful moment to accept this award today at the Embassy of Spain in London, together with so many people who have been inspirational to me during my life.

“This prestigious award bestowed on me is dedicated to all the special people in my life who have shaped my journey so far, helping me through challenges and celebrating the successes together.

Spanish Ambassador to the UK, Jose Pascual Marco, praised Arteta’s contributions to football and his role in strengthening Spain-UK relations. “Mikel is a respected figure in both countries. Through football, he has made the friendship between Spain and the UK stronger.”

Born in San Sebastián, Arteta started his career at Barcelona in 1999.

After stints with Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, and Everton, he joined Arsenal in 2011, winning two FA Cups and serving as captain.

Post-retirement, he became an assistant coach at Manchester City before returning to Arsenal as head coach in 2019, where he won the FA Cup in his first year.