Ángel Martínez Ortega

Ángel Martínez Ortega (born 17 May 1991) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a left-back or a central defender.

Club career Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Martínez finished his development at RCD Espanyol. He made his senior debut for their reserves on 30 August 2009, starting in a 0–0 Segunda División B home draw against Sporting Mahonés CF.

On 20 August 2010, Martínez was loaned to Real Jaén of the same league for one season. On 12 July of the following year he signed for another reserve team, Deportivo Fabril in the Tercera División.

Martínez returned to the third division on 1 August 2013, joining CD Guijuelo. He continued to compete at that level the following years, representing Espanyol B and CF Reus Deportiu. He achieved promotion to Segunda División with the latter side, appearing in 32 matches in the process.

Martínez made his professional debut on 27 August 2016, starting in a 1–1 home draw with CD Mirandés. The following 13 June, he agreed to a two-year deal with Real Zaragoza also from the second tier.

On 4 July 2018, Martínez moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing a two-year contract with Super League Greece club Asteras Tripolis FC. He scored his first goal for them on 25 September in a 2–1 home win over Apollon Smyrnis F.C. in the group phase of the Greek Cup, adding another in the round of 16 against Athlitiki Enosi Larissa F.C. to help the hosts to win 5–3 and qualify 7–6 on aggregate.

On 17 August 2020, Martínez agreed to a deal at FC Viitorul Constanța of the Romanian Liga I. On 28 December, he was released by mutual consent.

Martínez continued playing abroad the following seasons, with PAS Lamia 1964 (Greek top flight) and DPMM FC (Singapore Premier League). He returned to Spain after six years away on 10 January 2024, signing for Primera Federación side Linares Deportivo until 30 June. He made his debut ten days later, starting the 2–0 victory over Mérida AD.

On 11 May 2024, the 33-year-old Martínez announced his retirement on social media due to an underlying heart condition.

International career Martínez played for Spain in the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, scoring in the 2–1 semi-final win against the Netherlands and helping his country to win the tournament.

Career statistics

Honours Spain U17 UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2008