Arsen Zakharyan will wear the number 23 shirt for Real Sociedad in the new season, marking the third change to his playing number since joining the Spanish club. The change was confirmed by Real Sociedad’s press office.
The Russian midfielder spent the past two seasons wearing number 21, but that shirt has now been taken by Yangel Herrera. Zakharyan will therefore begin the new campaign with a different number as he continues his career at the San Sebastian side.
Zakharyan originally joined Real Sociedad wearing number 12. He subsequently switched to number eight before moving to number 21, which he used during the previous two years.
The 23-year-old joined Real Sociedad in 2023 and has made 65 appearances for the club in all competitions. During that time, he has scored three goals and provided three assists.
His latest change comes before Real Sociedad’s opening match of the new Spanish league season. The club will begin its campaign away from home against Real Betis in the first round.
The number 23 will now be associated with Zakharyan as he enters another season with Real Sociedad, while Herrera takes over the shirt he had worn since moving to number 21. The club’s latest squad-number update means Zakharyan has now used four different numbers during his time in San Sebastian: 12, eight, 21 and 23.
Real Sociedad’s first fixture against Real Betis will provide the immediate focus as the team prepares for the new campaign. For Zakharyan, it will be the first opportunity to play in competitive action wearing his latest shirt number.
The midfielder’s record at Real Sociedad currently stands at 65 matches, three goals and three assists. His number change is the latest development in his time with the club, which began in 2023.