Cristian Martínez

Cristian Jesús Martínez (born 6 February 1997) is a Panamanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Niké Liga club Slovan Bratislava and the Panama national team.

Club career Chorrillo Martínez joined the youth team of his local side Chorrillo at the age of 8, eventually joining the club's first team in 2012.

Columbus Crew Martínez signed on loan with Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew on 17 May 2016. Martínez made his MLS debut on June 1, 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 loss to Philadelphia Union. He scored in the 90+3', becoming the youngest Crew SC goal scorer in a regular-season match in club history. Martínez would be loaned by Crew SC to Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the club's USL affiliate. He made his Riverhounds debut against FC Montreal on 10 August 2016. Crew SC would recall Martínez for two more appearances at the end of the MLS season. On 25 January, Martínez was acquired on a permanent transfer. On May 4, 2017, Martínez was loaned to United Soccer League club FC Cincinnati. He played in one game before returning to the Columbus Crew on May 8.

Chicago Fire On 12 December 2018, Martínez was selected by Chicago Fire in the MLS Waiver Draft.

On 24 August 2019, Martínez joined USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights on loan for the remainder of the season.

Cádiz On January 18, 2020, Cádiz CF announced his signing until 2022 and that he would be loaned to a Segunda División B team. On January 24 it was made official that that team would be Recreativo de Huelva.

On January 30, 2021, Cádiz CF announced his six-month loan to CD Plaza Amador of Panama.

Najran On 20 January 2023, Martínez joined Saudi Arabian club Najran.

Plaza Amador On 26 July 2023, Martínez joined Plaza Amador.

Al-Jandal On 16 September 2023, Martínez joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Jandal.

Ironi Kiryat Shmona On 13 July 2024 signed for the Israeli club Ironi Kiryat Shmona.

International career In May 2018 he was named in Panama's preliminary 35 man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23. Martínez eventually played the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Panama having two games in Canada and one in the United States. He was chosen as Player of the Match in the defeat to Croatia.

Career statistics

Club

International

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 6 June 2024 Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama 1–0 2–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 2. 16 June 2025 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, United States 1–0 5–2 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Honours Panama

CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up: 2023 CONCACAF Nations League runner-up: 2024–25