Iñigo Martínez

Real Sociedad

Born in Ondarroa, Biscay, Martínez joined Real Sociedad's youth ranks from local Aurrerá Ondarroa. He made his senior debut in the 2009–10 season, helping the reserves to promote from Tercera División after one year out by contributing 23 games and one goal; he started out as a left-back. On 27 August 2011, Martínez made his first-team – and La Liga – debut with the Basques, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 away win against Sporting de Gijón. On 2 October he scored his first league goal, from inside his own half in an eventual 2–1 home loss to Athletic Bilbao in a derby.

Martínez scored his third league goal in the same fashion, in a 3–2 away victory over Real Betis on 27 November 2011 (in the 90th minute). He continued to be first choice in the following top-flight campaigns, notably helping the club to return to the UEFA Champions League after ten years in 2012–13 by netting four times in 34 matches. On 26 April 2016, Martínez signed a new five-year deal.

Athletic Bilbao

On 30 January 2018, Martínez signed with Athletic Bilbao for €32 million (his contractual buyout clause amount and a record outlay for the buying club) on a deal until 2023; the fee was around half of the figure received the same day for the player he replaced in the Athletic squad, Aymeric Laporte, who had moved to Manchester City. He made his debut on 4 February, playing the entirety of a 2–0 domestic league defeat away to Girona. During October 2018, Martínez…

Spain

Martínez made his debut for the Spain under-21 team in 2011. In the following year, he was picked by manager Luis Milla for his squad that appeared in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In the first game against Japan he was sent off late into the first half for bringing down Kensuke Nagai, thus denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, in an eventual 1–0 loss. Martínez made his first appearance with the full side on 14 August 2013, coming on as a second-half substitute for Sergio Ramos in a 2–0 friendly win over Ecuador. Between September 2018 and March 2021 he received eleven caps, including seven starting appearances; however, he was not included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament (delayed for a year by the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe) when it was announced on 24 May, with the player stating that he was not totally happy with his physical situation having missed a number of club matches during the season and an agreement had been made between him, the national body and Athletic that he would not take part. On 5 June 2022, Martínez scored his only goal, a last-minute header in the 2–2 away draw with the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League. He was called up again in March 2025 but withdrew from the squad due to a fitness issue, prompting an official complaint from Osasuna after he played for Barcelona in the next league fixture, as the Navarrese believed this to be in contravention of the regulations (the complaint was…

Martínez was likened to compatriot Carles Puyol, known for his heading ability making him an aerial threat on set pieces, despite his modest stature of 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in). He was also known for his tackling and leadership qualities and ability to read the game, as well as competence with the ball at his feet. Martínez was considered a specialist in the offside trap. At Barcelona under Flick he emerged as a pivotal figure with his leadership and experience, partnering youngster Pau Cubarsí; offensively, he contributed in attacking corners and free kicks due to his aerial prowess and timing.

Club

As of match played 25 August 2026

International

Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Martínez goal.