Iñigo Martínez - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Personal Information: Iñigo Martínez is a Spanish professional footballer who currently plays as a center-back for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. He was born on May 17, 1991, in Ondarroa, Spain.
- 2. Youth Career: Martínez began his youth career at the age of 10 with Antiguoko KE before joining the youth academy of Real Sociedad in 2006.
- 3. Professional Debut: Martínez made his professional debut for Real Sociedad in 2011 and quickly established himself as a key player in the team's defense.
- 4. Transfer to Athletic Bilbao: In January 2018, Martínez made a controversial move to Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad's Basque rivals, after the club triggered his release clause of €32 million.
- 5. International Career: Martínez has represented Spain at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2013. He has since been a regular member of the national team and has participated in major tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championships.
- 6. Playing Style: Martínez is known for his strong defensive abilities, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game well. He is also comfortable playing out from the back and has a good passing range.
- 7. Honors: Martínez has won the Copa del Rey with Athletic Bilbao in the 2019-2020 season and has been named in the La Liga Team of the Season on multiple occasions.
- 8. Leadership Qualities: Martínez has been praised for his leadership on the field and his ability to organize the defense. He has also served as the captain of Athletic Bilbao on several occasions.
- 9. Off-field Activities: Martínez is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been involved in various charitable initiatives to give back to his community.
- 10. Future Prospects: At 30 years old, Martínez still has several years of top-level football ahead of him. With his experience and quality, he is expected to continue performing at a high level for both club and country.