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.

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Martín Zubimendi

Zubimendi playing for Real Sociedad in 2023
Personal information
Full name	Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez[1]
Date of birth	(1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 25)[2]
Place of birth	San Sebastián, Spain
Height	1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Position(s)	Defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team	Real Sociedad
Number	4
Youth career
2006–2011	Antiguoko
2011–2016	Real Sociedad
2011–2013	→ Antiguoko (loan)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016–2018	Real Sociedad C	26	(1)
2017–2020	Real Sociedad B	50	(4)
2019–	Real Sociedad	143	(7)
International career‡
2016	Spain U17	1	(0)
2017	Spain U19	1	(0)
2020–2021	Spain U21	7	(0)
2021	Spain U23	6	(0)
2021–	Spain	5	(0)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Spain UEFA Nations League Winner 2023 Netherlands Olympic Games 2020 Tokyo Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14 April 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22 March 2024 (UTC)

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Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth setup in 2011, aged 12.^[3] He had also played for Antiguoko in the Donosti Cup between 2006 and 2013.^[4] 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 SCD Durango.^{[citation needed]}

On 25 July 2018, Zubimendi renewed his contract until 2022, and was definitely promoted to the reserves in Segunda División B.^[5] 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 CF.^[6] On 24 July 2020, he renewed his contract with the Txuri-urdin until 2025, being definitively promoted to the main squad.^[7]

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.^[8] A month later, on 13 March, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1–0 victory over Deportivo Alavés.^[9] In October, he extended his contract with the club until 2027.^[10] On 20 September 2023, he made his Champions League debut in a 1–1 draw against Inter Milan.^[11]

Zubimendi represented the Spain under-19s in a friendly 2–1 loss to the Portugal under-19s on 15 November 2017.^[12]

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.^[13] Zubimendi made his senior debut in the match.^[14]

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.^[15][16][17]

Real Sociedad

• Copa del Rey: 2019–20^[20][21]

Spain U23

• Summer Olympic silver medal: 2020^{[citation needed]}

Spain

• UEFA Nations League: 2022–23^[22]