Iñigo Martínez Age: Iñigo Martínez, a name synonymous with solid defending in Spanish football, has been a key figure in La Liga for over a decade. Born on May 17, 1991, in Ondarroa, Spain, Iñigo Martínez is currently 34 years old as of August 2025. His journey from a small-town talent to a stalwart at FC Barcelona is inspiring, blending grit, skill, and resilience. Let’s dive into his age, career highlights, and what makes him a vital asset to his team, even in his mid-30s.
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Early Years and Rise to Prominence
Iñigo Martínez’s footballing story began in the Basque Country, where his passion for the game took root. At just 15, he joined Real Sociedad’s youth academy, a significant step for a young player from a small town. By the 2009–10 season, at the age of 18, he was already making waves with Real Sociedad’s reserves, helping them earn promotion from Tercera División. His senior debut came in 2011, when he was 20, marking the start of a remarkable career.
- Hometown Pride: Born in Ondarroa, Martínez started at local club Aurrerá Ondarroa.
- Youth Success: His time at Real Sociedad’s academy shaped his defensive prowess.
- La Liga Debut: At 20, he played his first La Liga match, a 2–1 win against Sporting de Gijón.
Peak Years at Real Sociedad
Martínez spent most of his 20s with Real Sociedad, where he became a fan favorite. From 2011 to 2018, he played 238 matches and scored 17 goals, an impressive tally for a defender. His ability to read the game, combined with his physicality, made him one of La Liga’s top centre-backs. At 26, he scored a memorable goal from his own half against Athletic Bilbao, showcasing his flair and confidence.
- Longevity: Played over 200 matches for Real Sociedad by age 26.
- Memorable Moment: His long-range goal in 2011 remains a highlight of his career.
- Versatility: Started as a left-back before cementing his role as a centre-back.
Transition to Athletic Bilbao
In January 2018, at 26, Martínez made a bold move to Athletic Bilbao for €32 million, replacing Aymeric Laporte. This transfer marked a new chapter, as he embraced the challenge of playing for a historic Basque club. During his time there, he won the 2020–21 Supercopa de España and reached two Copa del Rey finals. By his early 30s, Martínez had proven he could compete at the highest level, even as injuries occasionally tested his resilience.
- Big Move: Joined Athletic Bilbao at 26, a testament to his growing reputation.
- Trophy Win: Secured the Supercopa de España in 2021 at age 29.
- Consistency: Played regularly despite minor injury setbacks.
Joining FC Barcelona
At 32, Martínez signed with FC Barcelona as a free agent in July 2023, bringing his wealth of experience to one of the world’s biggest clubs. His first season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 25 appearances, but under coach Hansi Flick in the 2024–25 season, he became a regular starter at 33. By March 2025, at 34, his contract was extended until June 2026, reflecting his importance to the squad. His contributions helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Supercopa de España in 2025.
- New Chapter: Joined Barcelona at 32, proving age is just a number.
- Regular Starter: Played 46 matches in the 2024–25 season at 33–34.
- Trophy Haul: Added La Liga and Supercopa titles to his résumé in 2025.
What’s Next for Martínez at 34?
Now 34, Iñigo Martínez remains a key figure for Barcelona. His experience, leadership, and ability to play out from the back make him invaluable, especially in a squad blending youth and veterans. While injuries have been a concern, his recent performances suggest he’s far from slowing down. As he approaches 35, fans are excited to see how he’ll continue to anchor Barcelona’s defense and mentor younger players.
In conclusion, Iñigo Martínez’s age of 34 is just one part of his story. From his early days in Ondarroa to his current role at Barcelona, he’s shown that dedication and skill can keep a player at the top, even in their mid-30s. His journey is a testament to hard work and adaptability, and he’s not done yet.
Sources: Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, FC Barcelona Official Website