2020 to today

EL Sadar as an emblem of growth

The renovation of El Sadar and Osasuna's return to the Primera División heralded a promising future for a club that had just five years earlier been on the brink of collapse. In February 2019, the club members voted for the first time on a project to reform El Sadar. This election saw the highest participation in the club's history, with 8,409 out of 11,118 members casting their votes. Over 90% opted for a comprehensive reform of El Sadar, as opposed to a basic upgrade that would only meet minimum security standards and lighting requirements. The winning project was named "Muro Rojo" (Red Wall). Following the promotion to the top division, the Board of Directors initiated additional enhancements to the original plan, bringing the total cost to 23,306,258 euros. In 2021, the international website Stadium DB recognized El Sadar as the best stadium in the world among those newly built or renovated.

Osasuna emerged as a formidable opponent in the Primera División. In January 2020, the team faced a significant setback when Chimy Ávila suffered a season-ending injury. Ávila had become a crucial player for the team during the first half of the season. Another challenge arose with the suspension of games due to COVID-19. Three months later, on June 11, 2020, the competition resumed, but with only 10 games remaining, the matches had to be played in the summer. Under the guidance of Jagoba Arrasate, the team adapted to the new circumstances and won five of their last eight games, finishing the season in 10th place. The experience of playing without fans and amidst construction at the stadium remains a unique memory.

El Sadar's reform was completed in 2021. Osasuna's stadium was named as the best stadium in the world that year among those newly built or reformed.

The 2020-21 season was played without fans, resulting in a loss of income for the club. However, it also marked the return of Lucas Torró from Eintracht Frankfurt and the arrival of Ante Budimir, who joined on loan from Mallorca. Budimir's impressive performances prompted the club to invest 8 million euros for his permanent transfer, making it the largest transaction in the club's history. This investment paid off, as Budimir became the club's top goal scorer in the Primera División during the 2024-25 season, surpassing Sabino Andonegui's record, which had stood since 1964. Additionally, he broke Julián Vergara's record for the most goals scored in a single season for the club, set in 1936. By the end of that year, Budimir ranked as LaLiga's third top goal scorer, trailing only Kylian Mbappé and Robert Lewandowski. Budimir has played a key role in establishing Osasuna as a stable team in the Primera División, marking the club's third-longest tenure in the top tier. Five of those seasons have been under the direction of Jagoba Arrasate, who successfully promoted the team. Arrasate is now the second-most experienced coach in the club's history, having managed 256 games, surpassed only by Pedro Mari Zabalza with 340 games.

Jagoba Arrasate's tenure reached its peak during the 2022-23 season when the team made it to the Copa del Rey final. Throughout the tournament, the Navarrese side faced tough competition in single-elimination matches, losing to reigning champions Real Betis at Benito Villamarín and Sevilla at El Sadar. In the semifinals, Osasuna achieved a historic victory over Athletic Club, winning 1-0 at San Mamés and drawing 1-1 in the second leg.

Unfortunately, in the final, the team was defeated by Real Madrid, with Lucas Torró scoring for Osasuna, but Rodrygo's two goals secured the victory for Los Blancos. May 6, 2023, will always hold special significance as it marked the day when the most Osasuna fans ever traveled to support the team, with 24,000 fans attending the match at La Cartuja in Seville. Despite the emotional setback of losing in the final, the team ended the season on a high note by qualifying for the Conference League.

Over his six years with Osasuna, Arrasate led the team to its highest achievement during the 2022-23 season, earning a runner-up medal in the Copa del Rey and securing a spot in the Conference League

May 6, 2023. Osasuna, earns second place in the Copa del Rey for the second time in its history after falling 2-1 to Real Madrid. Lucas Torró goal was no match to Rodrygo's brace. 24,000 rojillo fans travelled to Seville, in which is the biggest fan travel to support Osasuna.

Despite their strong performance, Osasuna was initially barred from participating in European competitions due to the "Caso Vizcay," even though the club had been exonerated of any wrongdoing. After a lengthy legal battle, they were eventually allowed to compete in the Conference League. A memorable moment during this struggle occurred when club president Luis Sabalza declared, "No nos rendiremos, ¡aúpa Osasuna!" (We will not surrender, go Osasuna!) at the start of the San Fermín festivities. Unfortunately, the club's journey in the tournament came to an end in the first round, where they faced Club Brugge and lost 1-2 in the first leg and drew 2-2 in the second.

This marked the final season for Jagoba Arrasate as head coach of Osasuna. After his departure, Vicente Moreno took over for the 2024-25 season, bringing the team close to securing a European spot. For the upcoming 2025-26 season, Alessio Lisci will take the reins. The Italian coach joins Osasuna following a successful season with Mirandés, where he led them to the promotion final. With Lisci at the helm, Osasuna aims to continue its upward trajectory, supported by players like Aimar Oroz, Ante Budimir, Sergio Herrera, Rubén García, Lucas Torró, and Jon Moncayola.

On the women's side, the team's structure is expanding. During the 2022-23 season, the first team entered the promotion playoff for the first time in its history but was eliminated by Granada in the semifinals. The following year, they reached the final after a strong performance, leading Espanyol 1-0 in the first leg, but ultimately lost 3-1 in the return match. For the 2025-26 season, the women's program continues to develop, featuring five Osasuna teams: the first team, two affiliates, and youth teams for U-11, U-12, U-13, and U-14. Additionally, they are collaborating with partner clubs to enhance their growth further.

Osasuna ended a fantastic 2022-23 season clinching a spot in the Conference League after defeating Girona 2-1 in the last game of the season. Pictured: Ante Budimir, author of both goals.

Another notable achievement during this decade was the revival of women's football at Club Atlético Osasuna. The first women's team was established in the 2002-03 season, marking the first of two unsuccessful attempts to create a stable structure. According to the directors at the time, the initiative failed due to financial constraints. After the men's team was relegated in 2014, the women's team disappeared once again. In response, a group of parents founded Mulier. Among the founders was Eva Blanco, who, during Sabalza's presidency, became the first woman to serve on the Osasuna Board of Directors. Following Sabalza’s appointment, Osasuna and Mulier collaborated for two seasons.

In June 2016, the club initiated the creation of its grassroots organization and became the leader of a union of Navarrese clubs. The goal was to establish a framework that would supply players for the women’s team, thereby making football more accessible for girls in Navarre. Competitively, the women's first team, led by Ioseba Sesma, was promoted to the second tier of Spanish football. In the 2018-19 season, Mikel Bakikoa nearly led the team to promotion to the top tier. Notably, in the 50th anniversary year of El Sadar, the stadium opened its doors to the women's team for the first time. On September 9, 2017, Osasuna Femenino played its inaugural match at El Sadar in a league game against Pradejón. Subsequently, on March 10, 2019, over 10,000 fans attended El Sadar to support Las Rojillas as they faced Eibar in the promotional playoffs.