Pablo Sarabia
Spanish footballer.
Pablo Sarabia García, born on May 11, 1992, in Madrid, Spain, has established himself as a versatile attacking midfielder in European football. His journey from Real Madrid's youth academy to becoming a key player for top clubs and the Spanish national team is a testament to his skill and perseverance. Sarabia's professional career began at Real Madrid, where he made his first-team debut under José Mourinho in 2010. However, limited opportunities led to his transfer to Getafe in 2011, where he truly blossomed as a player. Over five seasons at Getafe, Sarabia honed his skills and became a consistent performer in La Liga. His impressive displays caught the attention of Sevilla, who signed him in 2016.
At Sevilla, Sarabia reached new heights, becoming one of the most productive midfielders in Spain. His performances earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, where he added domestic titles to his resume. A loan spell at Sporting CP in 2021-22 saw Sarabia rediscover his best form, leading to a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023. Throughout his career, Sarabia has demonstrated exceptional technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, making him a valuable asset for both club and country. His journey from Madrid's academy to the Premier League showcases his adaptability and continuous growth as a player.
Early life & youth football
Pablo Sarabia's early life and youth career were shaped by his upbringing in Madrid and his early entry into Real Madrid's renowned youth academy. Born into a family that recognized his passion for football, Sarabia joined EFMO Boadilla at the age of eight. His talent quickly caught the eye of Real Madrid scouts, leading to his enrollment in La Fábrica in 2004. At Real Madrid's academy, Sarabia developed alongside future stars like Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata. His technical skills and tactical understanding stood out, earning him rapid progression through the youth ranks. By 2009, at just 17, Sarabia was already featuring for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, showcasing his potential and readiness for senior football.
Professional career
Pablo Sarabia's journey with Real Madrid began when he joined the club's renowned youth academy, La Fábrica, in 2004 at the age of 12. His talent and potential were evident from an early age, allowing him to progress rapidly through the youth ranks.By 2009, at just 17 years old, Sarabia had already made his debut for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team playing in Segunda División B. In his first season with Castilla (2009-10), he made 16 appearances and scored 3 goals, showing promise as a young attacking midfielder.
The 2010-11 season proved to be a breakthrough for Sarabia at the Castilla level. Under manager Alberto Toril, he was given a more prominent role in the team and was moved from his usual winger position to a central attacking midfield role. This tactical shift allowed Sarabia to showcase his creativity and goal-scoring ability more effectively. He responded brilliantly to this new responsibility, scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances in the league.
His tally of 12 goals made him the third-highest scorer in the team, behind only Joselu and Álvaro Morata, who scored 14 goals each.Sarabia's performances for Castilla caught the attention of the first-team manager, José Mourinho. On December 8, 2010, Sarabia made his senior debut for Real Madrid in a Champions League match against Auxerre, coming on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo. This appearance marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became one of the few players to progress from La Fábrica to the first team.
Despite this promising start, Sarabia found first-team opportunities limited at Real Madrid. The intense competition for places in the star-studded squad meant that he was unable to establish himself as a regular in the senior team. In total, he made just one appearance for Real Madrid's first team.Recognizing the need for regular playing time to continue his development, Sarabia made the difficult decision to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2011.
He joined Getafe, another Madrid-based club, where he would have more opportunities to play first-team football in La Liga.While Sarabia's time in Real Madrid's first team was brief, his years in the youth academy and with Castilla were crucial for his development. The technical skills, tactical understanding, and winning mentality instilled during his time at La Fábrica laid the foundation for his future success. His progression through the ranks at one of the world's most prestigious clubs also helped raise his profile in Spanish football.
In total, across his time with Real Madrid Castilla and the single appearance for the first team, Sarabia made 50 appearances and scored 15 goals. Although he didn't become a regular for Real Madrid's senior side, the experience and education he received at the club played a significant role in shaping him into the player he would become in his subsequent career at Getafe, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and beyond. Pablo Sarabia's move to Getafe in July 2011 marked a significant turning point in his career. After limited opportunities at Real Madrid, the young midfielder joined Getafe for a reported fee of around €3 million, signing a five-year contract.
This transfer included a clause allowing Real Madrid the option to buy him back after two years, highlighting the potential they still saw in him.Sarabia's first two seasons at Getafe were characterized by a period of adaptation and gradual integration into the first team. In his debut season (2011-12), he made 23 appearances in La Liga, scoring one goal and providing two assists. While these numbers were modest, they represented a significant increase in playing time compared to his Real Madrid days.
The 2012-13 season saw Sarabia continue to establish himself in the team, making 28 league appearances. However, his impact on the scoresheet remained limited, with just one goal and three assists. Despite this, his performances showed promise, and he was gaining valuable experience at the top level of Spanish football.It was in the 2013-14 season that Sarabia truly began to flourish at Getafe.
He became a regular starter and scored his first goal in La Liga on October 31, 2013, in a 2-0 victory against Villarreal. This goal marked a turning point, as Sarabia's confidence and influence on the team grew. He finished the season with five goals and seven assists in 34 league appearances, demonstrating his ability to contribute both in scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates.The 2014-15 campaign saw Sarabia further cement his status as a key player for Getafe.
He made 35 appearances in La Liga, scoring four goals and providing six assists. His performances were crucial in helping Getafe secure their top-flight status, as they finished 15th in the league.Sarabia's final season at Getafe (2015-16) was his most productive individually, despite the team's struggles. He scored a team-high seven goals in La Liga and provided five assists.
However, Getafe's overall performance was poor, and they were relegated after finishing 19th in the league. Sarabia's standout performances in a struggling team did not go unnoticed, setting the stage for his next career move.Throughout his time at Getafe, Sarabia's versatility was evident. He was primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder but also showed his ability to play on either wing.
This flexibility made him a valuable asset for the team and allowed him to develop different aspects of his game.Sarabia's five years at Getafe were crucial for his development as a player. He made a total of 145 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 23 assists. This period allowed him to gain regular first-team football at the highest level in Spain, something that had eluded him at Real Madrid.
Pablo Sarabia's move to Sevilla in 2016 marked a significant step up in his career. He joined the Andalusian club for a reported fee of €1 million, signing a four-year contract. This transfer provided Sarabia with the opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage, as Sevilla were regular participants in European competitions.In his debut season (2016-17), Sarabia quickly established himself as a key player for Sevilla.
He made 46 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists. His versatility was evident as he played in various attacking positions, including as a winger and attacking midfielder. Sarabia's performances helped Sevilla finish fourth in La Liga and reach the Round of 16 in the Champions League.The 2017-18 season saw Sarabia further cement his status as one of Sevilla's most important players.
He made 53 appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 10 assists. His consistency and ability to create chances for his teammates made him a fan favorite at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.However, it was the 2018-19 season that truly showcased Sarabia's potential. He had a stellar campaign, scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.
His 12 goals and 13 assists in La Liga were particularly impressive, making him one of the most productive midfielders in Spain. Sarabia's performances were crucial in helping Sevilla secure a sixth-place finish in La Liga and qualify for the Europa League.During his time at Sevilla, Sarabia developed into a more complete attacking midfielder. His vision, passing ability, and goal-scoring prowess improved significantly.
He became known for his excellent set-piece delivery and ability to find space in the final third. Sarabia's performances in European competitions also raised his profile, as he consistently delivered against top-quality opposition.In total, Sarabia made 151 appearances for Sevilla across three seasons, scoring 43 goals and providing 38 assists. His consistent performances and impressive statistics attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Sevilla's inability to challenge for major trophies during this period likely contributed to Sarabia's decision to seek a new challenge at the end of the 2018-19 season.Pablo Sarabia's move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in July 2019 represented a significant leap in his career. The French giants signed him for a reported fee of €18 million, offering him a five-year contract. This transfer provided Sarabia with the opportunity to compete for major trophies and play alongside world-class talents.
In his debut season (2019-20), Sarabia quickly adapted to life in Paris. Despite the fierce competition for places in PSG's star-studded attack, he managed to make a significant impact. Sarabia made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 8 assists. His versatility proved valuable as he was deployed in various attacking positions by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Sarabia played a role in PSG's domestic treble, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue. He also contributed to the team's run to the Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich.The 2020-21 season saw Sarabia continue to be a valuable squad player for PSG. Although his playing time was somewhat reduced due to the arrival of new signings, he still made 37 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists.
Sarabia helped PSG win the Coupe de France and finish as runners-up in Ligue 1.Following the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager and facing increased competition for places, Sarabia was loaned to Sporting CP for the 2021-22 season. This move allowed him to gain regular playing time and maintain his form for the Spanish national team.Upon returning to PSG for the 2022-23 season, Sarabia found opportunities limited once again.
He made 19 appearances in the first half of the season, mostly as a substitute, before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023.During his time at PSG, Sarabia won multiple domestic trophies, including two Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France titles, one Coupe de la Ligue, and one Trophée des Champions. While he may not have been a regular starter, his contributions were valuable, particularly in cup competitions and as a rotation option in the congested fixture schedule.In total, Sarabia made 98 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists.
Pablo Sarabia joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 17, 2023, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of €5 million. This move marked a new chapter in his career, bringing him to the Premier League for the first time.Sarabia made his league debut for Wolves on January 22, 2023, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 3-0 loss to Manchester City. His first start for the club came on February 4, 2023, in a notable 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Molineux.
The Spaniard scored his first goal for Wolves on February 24, 2023, opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw against Fulham. This goal demonstrated his ability to make an impact in the Premier League and hinted at his potential value to the team.One of Sarabia's most memorable moments for Wolves came on November 11, 2023, in a match against Tottenham. Coming on as an 87th-minute substitute, he scored an equalizer and then provided the assist for Mario Lemina's winning goal in stoppage time.
This performance made him the first player in Premier League history to both score and assist a goal after being introduced so late in a match.In his first partial season with Wolves (2022-23), Sarabia made 13 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal. While these numbers were modest, they reflected his period of adaptation to English football and a new team.The 2023-24 season has seen Sarabia become more integrated into the Wolves squad.
As of the current date, he has made 30 Premier League appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists. This increased productivity demonstrates his growing influence on the team and his adaptation to the Premier League's style of play.
National team
Sarabia's youth international career with Spain was marked by consistent performances and significant achievements. He first represented Spain at the U16 level in 2008, quickly progressing to the U17 team. His talent shone brightly at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria, where Spain secured a third-place finish. This tournament, which featured future stars like Neymar and Son Heung-min, provided Sarabia with valuable international experience.
His most notable youth success came in 2011 when he played a pivotal role in Spain's victory at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Throughout his youth international career, Sarabia demonstrated his versatility, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, often playing as an attacking midfielder or winger. His performances at various youth levels, including 22 appearances for the U21 team between 2011 and 2014, highlighted his potential to become a future senior international. These experiences not only honed his skills but also instilled a winning mentality that would serve him well in his professional career.Pablo Sarabia's senior international career with Spain began relatively late, considering his success at youth levels. He made his debut for La Roja on September 5, 2019, at the age of 27, in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Romania.
Despite the delayed start, Sarabia quickly established himself as a valuable member of the squad. His versatility and ability to impact games from various attacking positions made him an asset for Spain's fluid playing style. Sarabia's first major tournament came at Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where he featured prominently, scoring a crucial goal against Slovakia in the group stage. His performances helped Spain reach the semi-finals, further cementing his place in the national team setup.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Sarabia continued to impress, contributing goals and assists to Spain's successful campaign. He was subsequently selected for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he played a role in Spain's journey to the round of 16. Throughout his international career, Sarabia has shown a knack for rising to the occasion in important matches, often providing creativity and goal-scoring threat when needed. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the team's playing style, despite his relatively late introduction to the senior squad, has made him a trusted option for successive Spain managers. As of 2024, Sarabia has amassed over 25 caps for Spain, scoring multiple goals and establishing himself as a key figure in the national team's attacking arsenal.
Player’s style
Pablo Sarabia's style of play is characterized by his technical proficiency, vision, and versatility. Primarily an attacking midfielder, he excels in finding pockets of space between the lines and creating opportunities for his teammates. Sarabia possesses excellent ball control and dribbling skills, allowing him to operate effectively in tight spaces. His vision and passing ability make him a valuable playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses with incisive through balls.
Additionally, Sarabia has a keen eye for goal, often arriving late in the box to finish attacks. His set-piece prowess, both in terms of delivery and direct free-kicks, adds another dimension to his game. Defensively, Sarabia shows good work rate and tactical understanding, making him suitable for high-pressing systems. His adaptability allows him to play across the attacking midfield positions, as well as on either wing, providing tactical flexibility to his teams.