Martín Zubimendi’s journey into football was destined from the start. Growing up in a family deeply connected to sports, thanks to his father, a physical education lecturer, he was surrounded by athletic influences. But it wasn’t just any sport that caught his heart — it was football, inspired by his idol, Xabi Alonso. This connection was even more special because Alonso, one of Spain’s most respected midfielders, lived only 29 minutes away from Zubimendi’s birthplace in San Sebastián.
Chess Boy Master Turned Pro Baller: Inside Martin Zubimendi’s Background
Alongside football, Martín was also an excellent chess player, winning a championship at just 11 years old, similar to the story of Kevin Nisbet. Although Martin stopped competing to focus on football, he continued to enjoy chess casually, much like Jordi Alba does with his father.
The defensive midfielder Martín was also a big fan of surfing, but over time, he decided to leave these hobbies behind to dedicate himself fully to football, his true passion. This love for the game shaped his path to becoming one of Spain’s top midfielders.
Preamble:
Taking a deep dive into Martin Zubimendi’s biography, we bring in facts about his parents- Mr Ibanez and Mrs Ibanez- as well as his nationality, early career, and trajectory to stardom.
Our narrative of Martín Zubimendi’s biography starts by telling how the talented Spanish footballer began his sports journey. It then shows how he grew in the game, becoming a well-known player. Along the way, it shares facts about how his success has made him a source of pride for football fans and his family.
Martín Zubimendi Biography: From Humble Beginnings to Spanish Football Stardom
Childhood:
For curious Biography readers, Martin Zubimendi Ibanez came to earth on the 2nd day of February 1999 to his parents- his father, Mr Ibanez and his mother, Mrs Ibanez in Spain.
Reports confirm that the defensive midfielder is the only child, as there are no details about other kids. As we begin this journey of the defensive specialist, we get to know first-hand about Martin Zubimendi’s parents, who planted the seed of sports in his early life.
Growing-Up Years:
Martin Zubimendi grew up in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country in Spain. The family’s only child- he had his father and mother all to himself. Not for once was the young boy lonely as he had a lot of activities to keep him occupied.
One of them was the fact that Martin Zubimendi’s father was a physical education lecturer at a university. Thus, outdoor activities were a fun period for the little boy as it was one of the moments his dad got to bond with him.
Football came into the picture as the Spanish athlete fell in love with his idol, Xabi Alonso. And even more inspiring as the Bayer Leverkusen coach lived only 29 minutes away from Martin Zubimendi’s birthplace in San Sebastian. During the youthful days of the former midfielder, tales of his conquest were told to the younger generation, of which the Spanish would-be footballer was a part.
Apart from diving into football, do you know Martin Zubimendi was a great chess player? He won a championship at the game when he was only 11, as was Kevin Nisbet. However, to concentrate more, the Spaniard stopped joining any clubs to compete and began playing it leisurely as Jordi Alba does with his father. In addition, the Spanish midfielder was a massive lover of surfing. But he left all these hobbies to concentrate on his one true love- the pitch sport.
Martin Zubimendi Family Background:
Like Arne Slot’s guardians, Martin Zubimendi’s parents were teachers. Mr Ibanez was a physical education lecturer at one of the universities in Spain. The father of the great midfielder went on to perform excellently in his role until his retirement period. And so, the income from being a professor in an institution was enough to cater for the family.
Despite Mr Ibanez’s good job, Martin Zubimendi’s mother was also working. Mrs Ibanez was a teacher in one of the country’s high schools. Thus, the couple’s combined resources were taking of their child’s needs. As such, they were not poor but were putting in the money needed to care for their son’s future career.
Martin Zubimendi Family Origin:
The midfield maestro holds firm to his Spanish nationality. Matin Zubimendi’s family, including his parents, were born in Spain. However, there are no public details of his Mrs Ibanez and Mrs Ibanez’s exact hometown.
Nonetheless, Martin Zubimendi’s birthplace, San Sebastián, is a beautiful town by the sea in the Basque Country of Spain. It is famous for its two beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, where people love to swim and play. There is a long walkway by the beach where you can enjoy the view. The town also has excellent restaurants with chefs who cook unique and tasty food. In the old part of town, Parte Vieja, you can walk on cobblestone streets and find fancy shops and fun pintxo bars.
San Sebastián, where the Real Sociedad midfielder was born.
Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi’s family origin raises curiosity because of its strategic location with some famous names in the sports world. One of the closest neighbours was Mikel Arteta, also born in San Sebastian. David De Gea and Juan Mata lived only four hours away in Madrid and Burgos.
Ethnicity:
Martín Zubimendi is Basque, which is the biggest group of people in San Sebastián, where he was born. The Basques have a rich heritage, including their own unique language, Euskara, and many time-honoured traditions that have been passed down through generations from parents to children. Martín probably grew up with these Basque traditions all around him, which are very important to the people in the Basque Country.
Martin Zubimendi Family:
An old chip off the block is who the La Liga midfielder is to his parents. Martin Zubimendi’s father was perfect in his field, so much so that he was made a professor. As well as Mrs Ibanez, his mother, who excelled in the same line of career. Thus, following a pattern of excellence, their son has conquered the area of expertise. And so, let’s further tell you more about the couple who are so proud of their child’s success.
About Martin Zubimendi’s Father:
Mr Ibanez was a great scholar in Physical education at one of the universities in Spain. Apart from developing a curriculum for his students, the professor was also very involved in physical activities. So much so that it robbed Martin, his only child. So, father and son used the period when they worked out to learn more about each other.
In addition, Martin Zubimendi’s father also loved football and was an amateur coach for a small group of trainees. And this grew in the heart of the little Spanish boy who was already idolizing Xabi Alonso and wishing to be like him. Thus, as Mr Ibanez noticed his child’s itchiness for the game, he enrolled him in the nearby academy to progress further.
To illustrate how strict and committed Martin Zubimendi’s father was to his son’s career, he stopped him from engaging in other games that could distract him. And so Mr Ibanez took it upon himself to commune with his child to and from the training centre, and he was always on time. As if seeing the future, the Basque star is enjoying the fruit of his concentration and dedication.
About Martin Zubimendi’s Mother:
Mrs Ibanez was also a teacher in one of the high schools in Martin Zubimendi’s home country, Spain. She, like her husband, was grounded in knowledge, dispensing it to the young, hungry minds. Beginning from her home, her child was her priority, which was why the Spanish mother supported her husband when Mr Ibanez asked his son to focus on the game.
Like a loving mom, Martin Zubimendi’s mother taught and supported her child’s dream. From making sure his sore body from training wasnt an impediment to his growth to caring for his needs. Never at any moment in his life did the midfielder feel less of her love or her undivided attention. Today, cheering proudly from the sidelines is the woman who nurtured and gave the best to her only child.
Personality:
When the Spanish star isn’t garnering trophies on the pitch, he is out championing mental health awareness. Martin shows up for charity work to alleviate the suffering people in that situation go through and how to help them better.
In that aspect, vacations and hiking are number one on the list of declining activities. Despite Martin Zubimendi’s salary in Real Sociedad, the midfielder is not a braggart nor showy. Instead, he looks for ways to help others in need and alleviate their burdens.
Mrs Ibanez’s son always tries to be kind and loving to people.
The Aquarius zodiac sign player has an endearing personality that makes friends always stick to him. His close companions can describe Martin as a loving and self-sacrificial person who would do anything to make his loved ones happy. Sharing his sun sign with Xavi Simons (AM), Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez.
Martin Zubimendi Biography – Early Football Career:
The midfield began his football at Antiguoko Football Academy. Martin was seven when he joined the team in 2006. And stayed with them for five years in 2011 before leaving for the Real Sociedad youth team. The Spaniard entered the new unit the same year he was 12.
A summary of the young athlete’s career as a rookie in the academy.
During the 16/17 season, Zubimendi left the youth squad to join the under-19 team on the 1st of July 2016. The midfielder played his first game for Real Sociedad C on the 27th of August, 2016, when he came on for the last seven minutes of a 0-0 game against SCD Durango in the Tercera División.
On the 25th of July, 2018, Martin signed a new contract until 2022 and moved up to the reserve team in Segunda División B. On the 28th of April 2019, he made his debut for the main Real Sociedad team in La Liga. Coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 win against Getafe CF. On the 24th of July, 2020, he renewed his contract with the club until 2025 and officially joined the leading team.
The Spanish star eventually joined the likes of Robin Le Normand (CB), Mikel Merino (CM), and Alexander Isak for the 20/21 season. On the 24th of February, 2022, Zubimendi scored his first goal in a European competition during a 3-1 loss to RB Leipzig in the Europa League. A month later, on the 13th of March, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés. In October 2022, he extended his contract until 2027. On the 20th of September, 2023, he played in the Champions League for the first time in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan.
International Games:
As a son of the Spanish country, the defensive specialist played for Spain’s under-19 team in a game against Portugal on the 15th of November, 2017. On the 8th of June, 2021, Zubimendi played his first game for the senior Spain team. This happened because some players had to stay home after one of them, Sergio Busquets, tested positive for COVID-19. The younger under-21 players, including Zubimendi, were called to play in a game against Lithuania.
In 2024, Martin was chosen as part of Spain’s 26-man team for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. On the 15th of June, he played his first Euro match as a substitute against Croatia. On the 24th of June, the midfielder played the entire game against Albania. He also came on as a substitute in both the semi-final, where Spain beat France on the 9th of July, and the final on the 14th of July when Spain won against England to win the tournament.
Unexplored Facts:
This segment throws more light on some of the untold details about Martin Zubimendi’s biography. Without wasting time, let’s begin.
Martin Zubimendi’s Fifa Profile:
The La Liga midfielder is regarded as a highly praised defensive star. Martin’s sliding and standing tackle is always a hurdle for anyone to move past him. At the same time, his long passing and ball control are well over 80 per cent.
Sofifa’s analysis of the Spanish player’s abilities
Furthermore, Martín Zubimendi’s playing style is compared to Sergio Busquets. Also, the fast-rising youngsters Carlos Baleba and Marc Casado. He stays calm when he has the ball and helps control how fast or slow the game goes. Zubimendi is excellent at starting plays from deep positions, making intelligent choices and finding space to pass the ball. That’s why FIFA gave him an 81 rating, with the potential to reach a high score.
Martin Zubimendi’s Career in Soccer:
The midfield began his football at Antiguoko Football Academy. Martin was seven when he joined the team in 2006. And stayed with them for five years in 2011 before leaving for the Real Sociedad youth team. The Spaniard entered the new unit the same year he was 12.
During the 16/17 season, Zubimendi left the youth squad to join the under-19 team on the 1st of July 2016. The midfielder played his first game for Real Sociedad C on the 27th of August, 2016, when he came on for the last seven minutes of a 0-0 game against SCD Durango in the Tercera División.
On the 25th of July, 2018, Martin signed a new contract until 2022 and moved up to the reserve team in Segunda División B. On the 28th of April 2019, he made his debut for the main Real Sociedad team in La Liga. Coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 win against Getafe CF. On the 24th of July, 2020, he renewed his contract with the club until 2025 and officially joined the leading team.
The Spanish star eventually joined the likes of Robin Le Normand, Mikel Merino, and Alexander Isak for the 20/21 season. On the 24th of February, 2022, Zubimendi scored his first goal in a European competition during a 3-1 loss to RB Leipzig in the Europa League. A month later, on the 13th of March, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés. In October 2022, he extended his contract until 2027. On the 20th of September, 2023, he played in the Champions League for the first time in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan.
Zubimendi is outstanding, and many big football teams want him. Teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are interested in him because he excels with Real Sociedad. His current club, Real Sociedad, says any team that wants to buy him must pay around or more than €60 million. In the 2023/2024 season, Liverpool almost bought Zubimendi, but Zubimendi decided to stay with his team because he loved playing for Real Sociedad.
Manchester City was considering getting him because one of their players, Rodri, is hurt. Arsenal also wants him to play alongside Declan Rice. Many teams will try to sign Zubimendi soon, making him a key player to watch.
Conclusion:
Martin Zubimendi Ibanez came to earth on the 2nd day of February 1999 to his parents- his father, Mr Ibanez and his mother, Mrs Ibanez in Spain. Reports confirm that the defensive midfielder is the only child, as there are no details about other kids.
One of them was the fact that Martin Zubimendi’s father was a physical education lecturer at a university. Thus, outdoor activities were a fun period for the little boy as it was one of the moments his dad got to bond with him. During the youthful days of the former midfielder, tales of his conquest were told to the younger generation, of which the Spanish would-be footballer was a part.
Apart from diving into football, do you know Martin Zubimendi was a great chess player? He won a championship at the game when he was only 11, as was Kevin Nisbet. However, to concentrate more, the Spaniard stopped joining any clubs to compete and began playing it leisurely as Jordi Alba does with his father. In addition, the Spanish midfielder was a massive lover of surfing. But he left all these hobbies to concentrate on his one true love- the pitch sport.
Acknowledgement:
We put a lot of effort into ensuring that everything we share about football players is both accurate and balanced. Stay tuned for more exciting stories, including profiles on Aleksandar Pavlovic and Franck Kessie. We truly value your thoughts and feedback, so if you notice anything amiss in this article about the Spanish star attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs, feel free to share your comments with us—we’re always open to hearing from you!
