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Martín Zubimendi

Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the Spain national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the Spain national team. Born in San Sebastián in 1999, he came through Real Sociedad’s academy, made over 200 first-team appearances for the club in La Liga, and joined Arsenal in July 2025. He has also represented Spain at senior level and was part of the squads that won Euro 2024 and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

Early life and youth career

Zubimendi was born in San Sebastián, in Spain’s Basque Country. He developed in local football before joining Real Sociedad’s academy and progressing toward the first team.

Club career

He made his senior debut for Real Sociedad in La Liga in 2019 and became a regular midfielder for the club. In July 2025, he transferred to Arsenal on a long-term contract after making 236 first-team appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions.

International career

Zubimendi made his senior debut for Spain in 2021 after representing the country at youth levels. He was part of Spain’s squads that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024, and he also won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Style of play

He is primarily used as a defensive midfielder or pivot, a role he developed in La Liga. Club profiles describe him as a right-footed midfielder known for controlling play from deep positions.

Key facts

  • Started his professional career at Real Sociedad and made his first-team debut in 2019.
  • Made more than 200 appearances for Real Sociedad and won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey with the club.
  • Signed for Arsenal in July 2025 for a reported initial fee of £55.8 million.
  • Has been capped by Spain at senior level and was part of the Euro 2024-winning squad.
  • Also helped Spain win the 2023 UEFA Nations League and won Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Martín Zubimendi play?
He plays primarily as a defensive midfielder.
Which club does Martín Zubimendi play for?
He plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Where is Martín Zubimendi from?
He was born in San Sebastián, Spain.
When did Martín Zubimendi join Arsenal?
He joined Arsenal in July 2025.
What did Martín Zubimendi win with Spain?
He was part of Spain’s squads that won Euro 2024 and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
Which major trophy did he win with Real Sociedad?
He won the delayed 2019–20 Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mart%C3%ADn_Zubimendi
    Supports: Birth date and place, position, Real Sociedad debut, Arsenal move, first-team appearances, Copa del Rey, Spain national team.
  2. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/men/players/martin-zubimendi
    Supports: Arsenal signing, first-team appearances for Real Sociedad, Copa del Rey, Olympic silver, Nations League, Euro 2024.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/481655/martin-zubimendi/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, date of birth, appearances, goals and assists.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.com/martin-zubimendi/profil/spieler/423440
    Supports: Position, height, right foot, birth place, age, and club history details.
  5. Real Sociedad — https://www.realsociedad.eus/es/equipo/jugador/sanse/martin-zubimendi-ibanez
    Supports: Player profile, position, height, birthplace, and description at the club.