Martín Zubimendi
{{short description|Spanish footballer (born 1999)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{family name hatnote|Zubimendi|Ibáñez|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Martín Zubimendi
| image = Martín Zubimendi in 2023.jpg
| caption = Zubimendi playing for Real Sociedad in 2023
| full_name = Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez{{cite web |url=https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce4/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf |title=Squad List: Men's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020: Spain (ESP) |publisher=FIFA |page=16 |date=22 July 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|2|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = San Sebastián, Spain
| position = Defensive midfielder
| currentclub = Real Sociedad
| clubnumber = 4
| youthyears1 = 2006–2011 | youthclubs1 = Antiguoko
| youthyears2 = 2011–2016 | youthclubs2 = Real Sociedad
| youthyears3 = 2011–2013 | youthclubs3 = → Antiguoko (loan)
| years1 = 2016–2018 | clubs1 = Real Sociedad C | caps1 = 26 | goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2017–2020 | clubs2 = Real Sociedad B | caps2 = 50 | goals2 = 4
| years3 = 2019– | clubs3 = Real Sociedad | caps3 = 175 | goals3 = 9
| nationalyears1 = 2016 | nationalteam1 = Spain U17 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2017 | nationalteam2 = Spain U19 | nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2020–2021 | nationalteam3 = Spain U21 | nationalcaps3 = 7 | nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2021 | nationalteam4 = Spain U23 | nationalcaps4 = 6 | nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2021– | nationalteam5 = Spain | nationalcaps5 = 17 | nationalgoals5 = 1
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ESP}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Championship}}
{{Medal|W|2024 Germany|Team}}
{{Medal|Competition|UEFA Nations League}}
{{Medal|Winner|2023 Netherlands|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|Olympic Games}}
{{MedalSilver|2020 Tokyo|Team}}
| club-update = 23 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 23 March 2025 (UTC)
}}
Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez (born 2 February 1999) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for La Liga club Real Sociedad and the Spain national team.
Club career
Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth setup in 2011. {{cite web|url=https://cadenaser.com/emisora/2020/06/26/radio_san_sebastian/1593182504_401676.html|title=Zubimendi llega para quedarse|trans-title=Zubimendi arrives to stay|publisher=Cadena SER|language=es|date=26 June 2020|accessdate=28 June 2020}} He had also played for Antiguoko in the Donosti Cup between 2006 and 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.donosticup.com/en/ten-players-who-will-play-upcoming-cup-finals-cartuja-have-common-having-participated-donosti-cup |title=Ten players who will play in the upcoming Cup finals at La Cartuja have in common having participated in the Donosti Cup! |publisher=Donosti Cup |date=7 April 2021 }} He made his senior debut with Real Sociedad C on 27 August 2016, playing the last seven minutes in a 0–0 Tercera División home draw against Durango.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
On 25 July 2018, Zubimendi renewed his contract until 2022, and was definitely promoted to the reserves in Segunda División B.{{cite web|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20180725/451101213696/la-real-renueva-a-martin-zubimendi-hasta-2022.html|title=La Real renueva a Martín Zubimendi hasta 2022|trans-title=Real renew Martín Zubimendi until 2022|publisher=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|date=25 July 2018|accessdate=28 June 2020}} The following 28 April, he made his first team – and La Liga – debut, coming on as a late substitute for Rubén Pardo in a 2–1 home win over Getafe.{{cite web|url=https://as.com/futbol/2019/04/28/primera/1556471966_052236.html|title=La Real respira y complica la Champions al Getafe|trans-title=Real breathe and complicate Getafe's Champions place|publisher=Diario AS|language=es|date=28 April 2019|accessdate=28 June 2020}} On 24 July 2020, he renewed his contract with the Txuri-urdin until 2025, being definitively promoted to the main squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/until-2025|title=Until 2025|publisher=Real Sociedad|date=24 July 2020|accessdate=8 August 2020}}
On 24 February 2022, Zubimendi scored his first goal in European competitions in a 3–1 home defeat against RB Leipzig during the Europa League knockout round play-offs.{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/europa-league/r-sociedad-vs-leipzig/cronica/2022/02/24/6217c1f2e2704e089d8b45c0.html |title=Un sueño que se esfuma |publisher=Marca |language=es |date=24 February 2022 }} A month later, on 13 March, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1–0 victory over Alavés.{{cite web |url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/la-real-record-another-victory |title=La Real record another victory |publisher=Real Sociedad |date=13 March 2022 }} In October, he extended his contract with the club until 2027.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-espana.net/2022/10/15/real-sociedad-confirm-martin-zubimendi-extension-until-2027 |title=Real Sociedad confirm Martin Zubimendi extension until 2027 |publisher=Football España |date=15 October 2022 }} On 20 September 2023, he made his Champions League debut in a 1–1 draw against Inter Milan.{{cite web |url=https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/real-sociedad-midfielder-zubimendi-so-proud-to-play-champions-league-in-my-hometown-4470888 |title=Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi: So proud to play Champions League in my hometown |publisher=Tribal Football |date=20 September 2023 }}
International career
Zubimendi represented the Spain under-19s in a friendly 2–1 loss to the Portugal under-19s on 15 November 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.futboljuvenil.es/espana-sub-19-ofrece-una-buena-imagen-ante-portugal/|title=España Sub-19 ofrece una buena imagen ante Portugal|trans-title=Spain under-19 offer a good image against Portugal|publisher=Fútbol Juvenil|first=Cristina|last=Ripoll|language=es|date=15 November 2017|accessdate=14 June 2020}}
Due to the isolation of some national team players following the positive COVID-19 test of Sergio Busquets, Spain's under-21 squad were called up for the international friendly against Lithuania on 8 June 2021.{{cite news |url=https://sefutbol.com/oficial-lista-convocados-encuentro-lituania |title=Oficial {{!}} Lista de convocados para el encuentro ante Lituania |trans-title=Official {{!}} Squad list for the match against Lithuania |work=Royal Spanish Football Federation |date=6 June 2021 |access-date=7 June 2021 |language=es}} Zubimendi made his senior debut in the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/espana-vs-lituania/cronica/2021/06/08/60bfd85222601dc65d8b458f.html|title=Spain youngsters impress in Lithuania rout|website=MARCA|date=8 June 2021|accessdate=8 June 2021}}
On 7 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.{{cite news |date=7 June 2024 |title=Official {{!}} Final Spain squad for the Euro 2024 finals |url=https://rfef.es/en/noticias/final-spain-squad-for-the-euro-2024-finals |publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation |access-date=13 July 2024}} On 15 June, he made his first appearance in the Euros against Croatia as a substitute. He went on to play the full match against Albania on 24 June, and came off the bench in both the semi-final victory over France on 9 July and in the final against England on 14 July as Spain won the tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/028f-1b5e5c2b7b67-d5faab9be20b-1000--spain-2-1-england-late-oyarzabal-winner-earns-la-roja-reco/ |title=Spain 2-1 England: Late Oyarzabal winner earns La Roja record fourth EURO crown|website=UEFA|date=14 July 2024 |access-date=16 July 2024 }}
Style of play
Zubimendi's versatile style of play draws comparisons to renowned players, notably Sergio Busquets. He showcases composure and control, guiding plays and adjusting the game's tempo. His role involves initiating plays from deep positions, displaying precise decision-making. Zubimendi's aptitude for receiving passes and creating space is reminiscent of Busquets, reflecting a deep understanding of the game and the art of crafting opportunities. Additionally, his technical abilities, including dribbling and deep runs, align with top midfielders, while his ball retention in tight spaces mirrors qualities seen in players like Xabi Alonso and David Silva.{{cite web |last=Lowe |first=Sid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/08/real-sociedad-martin-zubimendi-xabi-alonso-manchester-united |title=Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi: ‘Xabi Alonso is an idol, a role model’ |publisher=The Guardian |date=8 September 2022 }}{{cite web |last=Kemp |first=Jamie |url=https://theanalyst.com/eu/2022/10/zubimendi-the-real-sociedad-midfielder-finding-stardom-in-simplicity/ |title=Martín Zubimendi: The Real Sociedad Midfielder Finding Stardom in Simplicity |publisher=The Analyst |date=14 October 2022 }}{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Thom |url=https://theathletic.com/4600543/2023/06/13/martin-zubimendi-is-the-calm-and-methodical-heart-of-real-sociedads-midfield/ |title=Martin Zubimendi is the Gen-Z Sergio Busquets at the heart of Real Sociedad’s midfield |publisher=The Athletic |date=13 June 2023 }}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 23 April 2025}}{{BDFutbol|22483}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Copa del Rey !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="5"|Real Sociedad B
|3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | ||||
| 2017–18
|Segunda División B |2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 2018–19
|Segunda División B |20 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 1 | ||||
| 2019–20
|Segunda División B |25 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 3 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!50 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 4 | |
| rowspan="8"|Real Sociedad
|1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2019–20
|La Liga |9 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in 2020 Copa del Rey final (played in 2021)}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 0 | |||
| 2020–21
|La Liga |31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Supercopa de España}} | 0 | 41 | 0 | |
| 2021–22
|La Liga |36 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 47 | 3 | ||
| 2022–23
|La Liga |36 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 44 | 1 | ||
| 2023–24
|La Liga |31 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 45 | 4 | ||
| 2024–25
|La Liga |31 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 43 | 2 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!175 | 9 | 21 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 231 | 10 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!225 | 13 | 21 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 281 | 14 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 23 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=31572|title=Martín Zubimendi|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=20 February 2021}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="4"|Spain
|2021 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 | 11 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total | 17 | 1 |
|---|
{{updated|match played 23 March 2025}}
:Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Zubimendi goal.
| class="wikitable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Martín Zubimendi !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Cap !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | |||||||
| align="center"|1 | 12 October 2024 | Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain | align="center"|13 | {{fb|DEN}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|1–0 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A |
Honours
Real Sociedad
- Copa del Rey: 2019–20{{Cite web|date=4 April 2021|title=Athletic Club 0-1 Real Sociedad: result, summary, goal|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/04/03/football/1617473340_092105.html|access-date=3 April 2021|website=AS.com|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=3 April 2021|title=Real Sociedad beat Athletic to claim Copa del Rey and Basque glory|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/03/athletic-bilbao-real-sociedad-copa-del-rey-2020-final-match-report|access-date=3 April 2021|issn=0261-3077}}
Spain U23
- Summer Olympic silver medal: 2020{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
Spain
- UEFA European Championship: 2024{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=Spain 2-1 England {{!}} UEFA EURO 2024 Final |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2036211--spain-vs-england/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=UEFA |language=en}}
- UEFA Nations League: 2022–23{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Emma |date=18 June 2023 |title=Spain win Nations League final on penalties |language= |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65944659 |access-date=18 June 2023}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.realsociedad.eus/es/equipo/jugador/sanse/martin-zubimendi-ibanez Real Sociedad profile] {{in lang|es}}
- {{BDFutbol|22483}}
- {{LaPreferente|210879}}
- {{Soccerway|martin-zubimendi-ibanez/481772}}
{{Real Sociedad squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Spain squads
| bg = #C60B1E
| fg = #FBEA0E
| bordercolor = #000033
| list =
{{Spain men's football squad 2020 Summer Olympics}}
{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zubimendi, Martin}}
Category:Spanish men's footballers
Category:Footballers from San Sebastián
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Segunda División B players
Category:Tercera División players
Category:Real Sociedad C footballers
Category:Real Sociedad B footballers
Category:Real Sociedad footballers
Category:Spain men's youth international footballers
Category:Spain men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Spain men's international footballers
Category:Olympic footballers for Spain
Category:Footballers at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Category:Olympic medalists in football
Category:Olympic silver medalists for Spain
Category:Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players
Category:UEFA Nations League–winning players