Martín Zubimendi

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, aged 12. 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 SCD 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 CF. 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 Deportivo 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.

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.

Honours
Real Sociedad
 * Copa del Rey: 2019–20

Spain U23
 * Summer Olympic silver medal: 2020

Spain
 * UEFA European Championship: 2024
 * UEFA Nations League: 2022–23