Martín Zubimendi


Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Arsenal and the Spain national team.
Zubimendi began his career at Real Sociedad, making his first-team debut in 2019. He made over 200 appearances and won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey with the club. In July 2025, he signed for Arsenal for a reported initial fee of £55.8m.
Zubimendi made his senior debut for Spain in 2021, having previously represented them at various youth levels. He was part of Spain's victorious squad in UEFA Euro 2024, as well as the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals.
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Club career

Real Sociedad

Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth setup in 2011. He had also played for Antiguoko in the Donosti Cup between 2006 and 2013. 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.
On 25 July 2018, Zubimendi renewed his contract until 2022, and was definitely promoted to the reserves in Segunda División B. 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. On 24 July 2020, he renewed his contract with the Txuri-urdin until 2025, being definitively promoted to the main squad.
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. A month later, on 13 March, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1–0 victory over Alavés. In October, he extended his contract with the club until 2027. On 20 September 2023, he made his Champions League debut in a 1–1 draw against Inter Milan.

Arsenal

On 6 July 2025, Zubimendi signed for Arsenal on a long-term contract in a deal reportedly worth around €65m. On 17 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–0 win against Manchester United in the league. On 13 September, he netted his first goals by scoring a brace in a 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest. His first goal in that game would go on to win the Premier League Goal of the Month award for September 2025. For his performances in September, Zubimendi was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.

International career

Zubimendi represented the Spain under-19s in a friendly 2–1 loss to the Portugal under-19s on 15 November 2017.
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. Zubimendi made his senior debut in the match.
On 7 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 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.

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.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
112 October 2024Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain131–01–02024–25 UEFA Nations League A
28 June 2025Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany191–02–2
2025 UEFA Nations League Finals
315 November 2025Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia242–04–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Real Sociedad
Spain U23
  • Summer Olympic silver medal: [Football at the Football at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2020 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2020]
Spain
Individual