Martín Zubimendi

Early Life

Martín Zubimendi was born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country. He began his football journey at a young age, joining Antiguoko, a local club, where he participated in the Donosti Cup from 2006 to 2013. In 2011, he joined Real Sociedad's youth setup, where he honed his skills and developed his tactical understanding of the game. Zubimendi made his senior debut for Real Sociedad C on August 27, 2016, in a Tercera División match against Durango, coming on for the last seven minutes. His promising performances in the youth ranks led to a contract renewal with the club in July 2018, solidifying his place in the reserves and setting the stage for his future in professional football.

Career

Zubimendi's professional career took off when he was promoted to the reserves of Real Sociedad in Segunda División B in 2018. He made his La Liga debut on April 28, 2019, substituting for Rubén Pardo in a match against Getafe, which ended in a 2–1 victory. His consistent performances earned him a contract extension in July 2020, keeping him at the club until 2025. He scored his first goal in European competitions on February 24, 2022, during a Europa League knockout round match against RB Leipzig. A month later, he netted his first La Liga goal in a 1–0 win over Alavés. Zubimendi signed with Arsenal on July 6, 2025, for a reported fee of £55.8 million, marking a significant step in his career. He made his debut for Arsenal on August 17, 2025, in a league match against Manchester United, contributing to a 1–0 victory. His first goals for Arsenal came on September 13, 2025, when he scored twice in a 3–0 win against Nottingham Forest, with one goal winning the Premier League Goal of the Month award.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Zubimendi has achieved notable success. He was part of the Real Sociedad squad that won the Copa del Rey in the 2019–20 season. On the international stage, he made his senior debut for Spain on June 8, 2021, in a friendly against Lithuania. Zubimendi was selected for the UEFA Euro 2024 squad and played a key role in Spain's championship victory. He has also been recognized individually, with nominations for the Premier League Player of the Month award following his impressive performances for Arsenal in September 2025. By February 2026, he had scored six goals for Arsenal, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively from a defensive midfield position.

Legacy

Martín Zubimendi is known for his strong defensive skills, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game. His playing style combines physicality with technical proficiency, allowing him to excel in midfield battles. Zubimendi's influence extends beyond his individual performances, as he contributes notably to his team's overall structure. He holds the record for being one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in La Liga during his tenure with Real Sociedad, and his transfer to Arsenal marked a new chapter in his career, where he aims to establish himself in the Premier League. His achievements with the Spain national team, including the UEFA Euro 2024 title, further solidify his status as a rising star in international football.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• Zubimendi played for Antiguoko, a club known for developing several prominent Basque players.
• He made his debut for Real Sociedad C at just 17 years old.
• Zubimendi was part of the Spain under-19 team that faced Portugal in a friendly match in 2017.

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