The Merino dynasty is also making history at the World Cup with “Pepinero” DNA

The 2026 World Cup is leaving the name of Mikel Merino engraved in the history of the Spanish national team. The Navarre midfielder has become one of the great protagonists of Spain's road to the final, thanks to his decisive goals in the dying minutes of the round of 16 match against Portugal and the quarter-final clash against Belgium—performances that have sparked the excitement of an entire nation.

This success is experienced in an especially close way in Leganés. Behind the goals of the Spanish international lies an authentic family saga deeply linked to our club, as attested by Jesús Cortés, a historic fan and former collaborator of the pepinero club.

The Merino surname occupies a prominent place in the history of C.D. Leganés thanks to Ángel Miguel Merino and Julián Merino, father and uncle of Mikel respectively. These two footballers defended the blue-and-white shirt for years and rank among the twenty players with the most official matches played for our first team, counting the data available in the club's archives since 1974.

Pepinero History in the 1980s and at the Turn of the Century

Ángel Miguel Merino, father of the current Spanish international, played for five seasons at C.D. Leganés, spread over two spells (1985–1988 and 1999–2001). During this time, he played a total of 164 official matches, a figure that places him as the twentieth player with the most appearances in the club's history.

Even higher up the list is his brother, Julián Merino. Mikel's uncle defended our colors for eight consecutive seasons between 1984 and 1992, accumulating 216 official matches. This record makes him the sixth footballer with the most matches played in the pepinero shirt, reflecting a career marked by consistency, commitment, and identification with the club.

Three generations united by football and a blue-and-white legacy

Now, more than three decades after the Merino brothers left their mark at Butarque, it is Mikel who commands the spotlight on the biggest stage in world football. His decisive goals have propelled Spain to the grand final of the 2026 World Cup and have once again brought back into the spotlight a surname that is inseparable from the history of C.D. Leganés.

Three generations united by football and the same passion. From the legacy of Ángel and Julián at the Rodríguez de Miguel and Butarque stadiums, to Mikel's goals in World Cup stadiums, the influence of the Merino family continues to grow. And while Spain dreams of conquering the world, there is an added reason to do so in Leganés: a part of this history was also written, and continues to be written, in blue and white.

(Pictures: archive C.D. Leganés and Lega Fantasy).