Iñigo Martínez

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 conceded two penalties for foul challenges in two local derbies in the domestic league, both of which led to the opening goal and were awarded after Video Assistant Referee reviews – the first in a 3–1 home defeat to his old club Real Sociedad and the second in a 1–1 away draw against Eibar.

Martínez scored his first goal for Athletic (in his 85th competitive appearance) with a backheel flick in a home league fixture against Betis on 20 June 2020. He later also gave away a penalty, but the kick was missed and his proved to be the only goal of the match.

Under the spotlight playing against his former club Real Sociedad in the delayed 2020 Copa del Rey final, Martínez had a major role in proceedings:

Martínez announced his departure from the San Mamés Stadium at the end of the 2022–23 season. During his spell, he totalled 177 games and eight goals; in his last year, he dealt with several injury problems.

Barcelona

On 5 July 2023, Barcelona announced the signing of Martínez on a free transfer with a two-year contract, which included a €400 million release clause. His early tenure was hindered by a foot injury that required surgery shortly after his arrival, delaying his registration and relegating him to fifth-choice behind Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Eric García and Jules Koundé. He made his competitive debut on 3 September, coming on for Christensen in the 91st minute of a 2–1 away win over Osasuna. His first start occurred 23 days later in the 2–2 away draw against Mallorca, and he finished his debut campaign with 25 appearances in all competitions.

Martínez became a regular starter at the beginning of 2024–25 under new head coach Hansi Flick, following injuries to Araújo and Christensen. He scored his first goal for both the club and in European competitions on 1 October 2024, in a 5–0 victory against Young Boys in the Champions League league phase.

On 13 March 2025, Martínez agreed to a new deal running until 30 June 2026. At the end of the season, he won a domestic treble of league, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España; in the cup final against Real Madrid, he spent parts of the match as a left-back.

Martínez left Barcelona on 9 August 2025.

Al-Nassr On 10 August 2025, the free agent Martínez joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year. He scored his first goal on 14 September, closing a 2–0 home win over Al-Kholood.

International career 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 dismissed). Due to strong form, he was in consideration for the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals, but reportedly asked national coach Luis de la Fuente not to select him due to family considerations and desire to rest in order to prolong his club career; additionally, there was some negativity towards the player among elements of the Spanish fanbase due to him having been seen waving the Estelada (flag of Catalan independence) in celebrations with Barcelona. In October 2018, shortly after asking to be released from a Spain squad due to physical problems, he controversially appeared for the regional selection against Venezuela.

Martínez played once more for them, against Panama on 30 May 2019.

Style of play 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 . 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.

Career statistics Club National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals

Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Martínez goal. Copa del Rey runner-up: 2019–20, 2020–21

Barcelona La Liga: 2024–25 Copa del Rey: 2024–25 Supercopa de España: 2025

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League: 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two runner-up: 2025–26

Spain U21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2013

Spain UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2020–21

Individual La Liga Team of the Season: 2024–25 The Athletic La Liga Team of the Season: 2024–25 UEFA U-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2013