The national team of Russia has been active on social media in recent days, sharing moments from a season of notable twists and tight battles. In one message that circulated among fans, there was a triumphant shout: SIUUU! SHINE, ZAHA! Arsene’s first goal in Spain! The note captured the excitement around a young talent who had just begun to leave a mark in European football, and it resonated with supporters following the club’s latest performances.
The on-pitch narrative is clear: a footballer found the back of the net against Cadiz in the 29th round of the Spanish Championship, contributing to a 2-0 victory. The scorer made his impact shortly after entering as a substitute, delivering a decisive goal in the 68th minute with a precise assist from Bryce Mendes. The sequence underscored the player’s willingness to seize opportunities and the team’s ability to convert pressure into goals late in the game, reinforcing the tactical balance Real Sociedad has shown this season.
On August 19, 2023, Real Sociedad announced the signing of Zakharyan from Dinamo Moscow, a move that was framed as part of the club’s ongoing ambition to strengthen its attacking options and develop young talent within a competitive European environment. The contract, set to run through June 2029, signaled a long-term commitment to the player and to the club’s project in La Liga. Zakharyan’s competitive debut for Real Sociedad came on August 25, entering the match against Las Palmas in the 75th minute, a moment that marked his first appearance in the blue-and-white jersey and a new chapter in his professional journey.
In February, a collision during a Spanish league match brought concern as Zakharyan sustained an injury to his right hand. The incident required immediate attention, and although the player could not dress immediately after the game, it was later stated that the injury was not serious. The episode did affect him in the short term, keeping him from participating in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. The 1:2 aggregate result reflected a tough campaign for Real Sociedad in that knockout tie, and the absence of the player during the decisive moments added to the team’s challenge in that fixture.
Real Sociedad stood in sixth place in the La Liga table with 46 points after winning the 29th round, a position that highlighted the club’s consistency this season. Cadiz found themselves near the bottom of the table, occupying 18th place with 22 points and facing the pressures of relegation battles. The comparative context of these standings contributed to the storyline around the club’s ongoing push for European qualification and Cadiz’s fight for survival in the top flight.
Previously, Zakharyan addressed Real Sociedad fans after his first goal, an action reflecting the player’s willingness to connect with supporters and embrace the club’s culture. The gesture illustrated how quickly new signings can become part of a club’s narrative when their moments on the field begin to align with the fans’ expectations and the team’s strategic objectives. This season’s arc continues to unfold as the player adapts to a higher level of competition and the club pursues its season-long targets, balancing youth development with immediate results on match day. [citation: club communications, season records, and match reports, as aggregated by league records and team press materials]