Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Article Summary
Martín Zubimendi is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Spain national team. Born Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez in San Sebastián, Spain, on 2 February 1999, he joined Real Sociedad’s academy at age 12 and made his first-team debut in 2019. He made over 200 appearances for the club, winning the 2019–20 Copa del Rey. In July 2025, he completed a £51 million transfer to Arsenal, signing a five-year contract. Zubimendi won a silver medal with Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was part of the squad that won UEFA Euro 2024. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was a member of Spain’s victorious squad. Known for his intelligence, technique, and composure, he is regarded as one of the world’s best holding midfielders. His net worth is estimated at approximately £17.2 million.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez |
| Born | 2 February 1999 |
| Birthplace | San Sebastián, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Age | 27 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Current Club | Arsenal |
| Jersey Number | 36 |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Net Worth | Estimated £17.2 million |
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez was born on 2 February 1999 in San Sebastián, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. He grew up in a region with a rich footballing tradition and was immersed in the sport from a young age.
Zubimendi’s football journey began with Antiguoko, a local youth club renowned for producing top Basque talent, including Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta. In 2011, at the age of 12, he joined the youth academy of his hometown club, Real Sociedad. He progressed through all the youth categories, developing into a disciplined and technically gifted midfielder.
Club Career
Real Sociedad (2016-2025)
Zubimendi spent nearly a decade developing at Real Sociedad. He made his senior debut for the club’s C team in 2016, before progressing to Real Sociedad B. He made his first-team debut in April 2019, and it took him almost three years to score his first goal, which came in the Europa League against RB Leipzig.
During his time at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi made 180 La Liga appearances and over 200 appearances in all competitions. He played a key role in helping the club win the 2019-20 Copa del Rey, playing the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 final victory over Basque rivals Athletic Club. He also played a key role in the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal (2025-Present)
In July 2025, Zubimendi completed a £51 million transfer to Arsenal, signing a five-year contract. The move came after Arsenal met the release clause in his Real Sociedad contract. He had previously turned down a move to Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City.
Zubimendi made an immediate impact at Arsenal, making 38 league appearances and scoring 5 goals in his debut season. He was assigned the number 36 shirt, a number he wore when making his debut for Real Sociedad. Former teammates and coaches have compared him to Xabi Alonso, praising his intelligence, technique, and character.
International Career
Youth Level and Olympic Silver
Zubimendi represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, U21, and U23 teams. He was part of the Spain squad that won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Senior Debut and Euro 2024
Zubimendi made his senior debut for Spain on 8 June 2021. He has earned 27 caps and scored 3 goals for La Roja as of the 2026 World Cup final.
At UEFA Euro 2024, Zubimendi played a crucial role. When Rodri was substituted at half-time in the final against England, Zubimendi replaced him and turned the tide in Spain’s favor. He completed 92% of his passes, made three recoveries, and won all five of his duels as Spain scored two second-half goals to win 2-1.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Zubimendi was selected for Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad. However, he did not feature in any of the matches, remaining an unused substitute throughout the tournament. Despite this, Spain went on to win the World Cup, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final on 19 July 2026, making Zubimendi a World Cup winner.
Major Achievements
Real Sociedad
Spain National Team
Individual
Personal Life
Zubimendi was born and raised in San Sebastián, Basque Country. He is known for his humble and grounded personality. Former coaches and teammates describe him as a “complete person,” humble, proud, and with a strong personality. He is known for his discipline and professionalism.
Zubimendi has been seen with his girlfriend in Arsenal kit, though his personal life remains largely private. He is a product of the prolific Real Sociedad academy and has a strong connection to his hometown club.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Martín Zubimendi is celebrating Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph. He was part of the victorious squad, though he did not feature in any matches during the tournament.
His market value is estimated at €75 million, and he earns approximately £140,000 per week at Arsenal under a contract that runs until 2030.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-27 Premier League season | Starts August 2026 |
| UEFA Champions League 2026-27 | The group stage begins September 2026 |
| Supercopa de España | To be confirmed |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FIFA World Cup | Won (with Spain) |
| 2024 | UEFA European Championship | Won (with Spain) |
| 2020 | Olympic Games | Silver Medal (with Spain) |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Born in San Sebastián, Spain |
| 2011 | Joined Real Sociedad’s academy at age 12 |
| 2016 | Made senior debut for Real Sociedad C |
| 2017 | Made debut for Real Sociedad B |
| 2019 | Made first-team debut for Real Sociedad |
| 2020 | Won Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad |
| 2021 | Made senior debut for Spain on 8 June |
| 2021 | Won silver medal at Tokyo Olympics |
| 2024 | Won Euro 2024 with Spain |
| 2025 | Signed for Arsenal for £51 million |
| 2026 | Won World Cup with Spain |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | League Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad C | 2016-2018 | 26 | 1 |
| Real Sociedad B | 2017-2020 | 50 | 4 |
| Real Sociedad | 2019-2025 | 180 | 9 |
| Arsenal | 2025-Present | 38 | 5 |
International Caps: 27 | International Goals: 3
FAQs
How old is Martín Zubimendi?
Martín Zubimendi was born on 2 February 1999 in San Sebastián, Spain, which makes him 27 years old as of 2026.
What is Martín Zubimendi’s net worth?
Martín Zubimendi’s net worth is estimated at approximately £17.2 million as of 2026. He earns £140,000 per week at Arsenal under a contract that runs until 2030.
Which club does Martín Zubimendi play for?
Martín Zubimendi plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal. He joined the club in July 2025 from Real Sociedad for £51 million.
Has Martín Zubimendi won the World Cup?
Yes. Zubimendi was part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad, though he did not feature in any matches during the tournament.
What trophies has Martín Zubimendi won?
Zubimendi has won the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad (2020), Euro 2024 with Spain, the 2026 World Cup with Spain, and a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What is Martín Zubimendi’s height?
Martín Zubimendi stands at 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches).
What position does Martín Zubimendi play?
Martín Zubimendi plays as a defensive midfielder. He is known for his intelligence, technique, and composure on the ball.
Where is Martín Zubimendi from?
Martín Zubimendi was born in San Sebastián in the Basque Country, Spain.
How much did Arsenal pay for Martín Zubimendi?
Arsenal signed Zubimendi for £51 million, meeting the release clause in his Real Sociedad contract.
What is Martín Zubimendi’s jersey number?
Zubimendi wears the number 36 shirt for Arsenal.
Key Takeaways
- Martín Zubimendi is a Spanish defensive midfielder born on 2 February 1999 in San Sebastián, Spain.
- He came through Real Sociedad’s academy and made over 200 appearances for the club, winning the Copa del Rey in 2020.
- He signed for Arsenal in July 2025 for £51 million.
- He has won the Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup with Spain, as well as a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- He is regarded as one of the world’s best holding midfielders.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately £17.2 million.
Conclusion
Martín Zubimendi’s journey from the youth academies of San Sebastián to the pinnacle of world football is a story of dedication, intelligence, and quiet excellence. A product of Real Sociedad’s prolific academy, he rose through the ranks to become a key figure for his hometown club, winning the Copa del Rey and earning a move to the Premier League. His performances at Euro 2024, where he replaced Rodri in the final and helped Spain secure victory, showcased his composure and quality on the biggest stage. At the 2026 World Cup, he added the ultimate prize to his collection, becoming a world champion with Spain. Known for his humility, professionalism, and technical brilliance, Zubimendi has earned comparisons to Xabi Alonso and is widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world. As he continues his career at Arsenal, Martín Zubimendi’s story is far from finished.
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