Alazne Estensoro returns to Zubieta after becoming U‑20 World Cup champion

In the Zubieta dressing room, in the city of Donostia, the 20‑year‑old goalkeeper Alazne Estensoro took off her gold medal while listening to the applause of her teammates, after having lived a tense night at the stadium of the Basque capital, in the U‑20 World Cup final.

The Spanish women's U‑20 national team were crowned world champions by beating North Korea in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out that ended 4‑3, after a goalless draw (0‑0) in regular time and extra time.

This triumph marks the second orbital star for the age group, following the 2022 conquest, and reinforces the hegemony of state grassroots football.

Unai Valverde announced Real Sociedad's return to work, although the team faces multiple absences and some uncertainties ahead of the next season.

Spain and North Korea battle in tense U‑20 women’s final

In the group stage, Estensoro, the 20‑year‑old goalkeeper, held the starting spot in the 1‑3 victory over China, delivering a standout performance.

In the final, her teammate Laia López was the true heroine, saving the attempts of Yon‑a Choe and later Il‑sim Pak.

Return to Real Sociedad and challenge under the posts

After hanging up the gold medal, Estensoro immediately re‑joins the txuri urdin first team, where she will compete directly with Julia Arrula for the starting role.

Her return raises the competition under the posts in Zubieta, a step that Real Sociedad hopes will help her stop conceding and improve her performances.