Martin Zubimendi, the 26-year-old Spanish midfielder, has become one of the most talked-about footballers in 2025 following his high-profile transfer to Arsenal from Real Sociedad. Known for his intelligence, composure, and versatility in the holding midfield role, Zubimendi has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and clubs alike. This article delves into his career, playing style, recent performances, transfer saga, and the public’s fascination with him, addressing the key questions people are asking about this rising star.
Early Life and Footballing Roots
Born on February 2, 1999, in San Sebastián, Spain, Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez grew up in a city steeped in football tradition. San Sebastián, home to Real Sociedad, is a place where the sport is more than a pastime, it’s a way of life. Zubimendi’s footballing journey began at a young age, and his connection to Real Sociedad, his boyhood club, shaped his early development. Interestingly, Zubimendi’s talents extended beyond the pitch; as a boy, he won the under-12 chess championship in Gipuzkoa, showcasing the strategic thinking that would later define his playing style.
Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad’s youth academy, Zubieta, at the age of 12, after playing for Antiguoko, a local youth club that also nurtured talents like Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta. However, his path to the academy wasn’t straightforward. As a young player, he was described as shy and physically underdeveloped, leading Real Sociedad to initially pass on signing him. It was only at 14, when rival club Atlético Madrid showed interest, that Real Sociedad secured his signature.
Rising Through the Ranks
Zubimendi’s progression through Real Sociedad’s youth system was steady but not meteoric. He honed his skills with the club’s C and B teams, showing glimpses of the composure and tactical awareness that would later make him a standout. His breakthrough came in April 2019, when he made his La Liga debut at 20 in a 2-1 victory over Getafe. From there, he became a mainstay in Real Sociedad’s first team, making 236 appearances across all competitions and scoring 10 goals.
A defining moment in his early career was his role in Real Sociedad’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph (played in April 2021 due to the pandemic), where he played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win against rivals Athletic Club, securing the club’s first major trophy since 1987. This victory cemented his status as a key player and a local hero.
Playing Style and Strengths
Zubimendi is often described as a hybrid midfielder, blending the qualities of a deep-lying playmaker and a defensive anchor. Positioned as a No. 6, or lone pivot, in Real Sociedad’s 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3 systems, he excels at controlling the tempo of matches, breaking up opposition plays, and initiating attacks from deep positions. His ability to read the game, combined with his technical proficiency, has drawn comparisons to Spain and Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso, a fellow San Sebastián native.
Unlike traditional defensive midfielders who rely on physicality or relentless tackling, Zubimendi’s game is built on intelligence and anticipation. He constantly scans the pitch, positioning himself to intercept passes or receive the ball under pressure. His 44 interceptions in La Liga last season were unmatched by any Real Sociedad teammate, and his 73 tackles ranked second only to Jon Aramburu. His clean tackling style described as “squeaky clean” by analysts allows him to win possession without resorting to reckless challenges.
Technical Prowess
Zubimendi’s passing is another hallmark of his game. He averaged 5.51 progressive passes per 90 minutes at Real Sociedad, placing him among Europe’s elite midfield controllers. His 141 line-breaking passes in La Liga last season were second only to Barcelona’s Pedri (163), highlighting his ability to unlock defenses with precise, forward-thinking distribution. Whether it’s a short, sharp pass to maintain possession or a long ball to switch play, Zubimendi’s versatility in possession makes him a perfect fit for modern, possession-based systems.
His press resistance and ability to receive the ball on the half-turn allow him to evade markers and create space for teammates. Spanish journalist Roberto Ramajo noted that while Zubimendi may not stand out for one particular attribute, such as vision or long-range passing, he “delivers in every aspect of a midfielder’s game.” This all-around ability has led to comparisons with Manchester City’s Rodri, with some analysts suggesting Zubimendi could be Arsenal’s answer to the Spanish international.
Defensive Contributions
Out of possession, Zubimendi’s positional sense is exceptional. He anticipates opposition transitions, adjusts his movement to cover gaps, and acts as a shield for his defense. In La Liga’s 2024-25 season, he ranked in the top five among central midfielders for successful passes, long passes, progressive passes, touches, tackles, interceptions, and aerial duels won. His 8.5km of completed upfield passes further underscores his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively.
Career Highlights
Zubimendi’s time at Real Sociedad was marked by consistent excellence. Over five seasons with the first team, he played more minutes than any other outfield player in La Liga during the 2024-25 campaign, demonstrating his durability and reliability. His contributions were pivotal in Real Sociedad’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League in 2022-23, where they reached the round of 16.
His standout performances came in high-stakes matches. In the 2020 Copa del Rey final, he was instrumental in nullifying Athletic Club’s midfield, helping Real Sociedad secure the title. His ability to perform under pressure was also evident in the 2022-23 Champions League campaign, where he anchored a technically gifted midfield alongside players like Mikel Merino and Brais Méndez.
International Stardom
Zubimendi’s international career has been equally impressive. He debuted for Spain in 2021 and played a key role in their 2024 UEFA European Championship victory. Coming on as a half-time substitute for the injured Rodri in the final against England, Zubimendi shone in the deep-lying midfield role, helping Spain secure a 2-1 win. He also scored the opening goal in Spain’s 2025 UEFA Nations League final victory over Portugal, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente described Zubimendi as a “sure bet” who “does everything you ask of him,” while former Barcelona manager Xavi praised his ability to “command situations with and without the ball.” These endorsements highlight his growing stature on the international stage.
The Arsenal Transfer Saga
Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal, finalized on July 6, 2025, for a fee of approximately £55.8m (€65m), was the culmination of a years-long pursuit by the Premier League club. Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi dates back to the 2019-20 season, when they scouted him while tracking teammates Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Isak. Manager Mikel Arteta, a San Sebastián native and former Real Sociedad player, was the driving force behind the transfer, with sporting director Edu and chief scout Steve Ayto playing key roles in negotiations.
In the summer of 2024, Arsenal had targeted both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino but could only afford one due to financial constraints. Merino joined that summer, while Arsenal planned to sign Zubimendi in 2025. The club’s persistence paid off, with Zubimendi signing a five-year contract until June 2030, wearing the No. 36 shirt he donned early in his Real Sociedad career.
Rejecting Liverpool and Real Madrid
Zubimendi’s transfer was not without drama. In the summer of 2024, Liverpool came close to signing him, with sporting director Richard Hughes believing a deal was imminent. However, Zubimendi rejected the move, citing his loyalty to Real Sociedad and belief that staying was “the right one.” This decision endeared him to Sociedad fans but also highlighted his grounded personality, as he prioritized his roots over a lucrative move to Anfield.
Rumors of interest from Real Madrid surfaced in 2025, particularly after Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager, but a source close to the club dismissed these as “a lie as big as a castle.” Manchester City also monitored Zubimendi following Rodri’s serious knee injury in September 2024, but Arsenal’s long-standing relationship with the player and Arteta’s personal connection proved decisive.
Why Arsenal?
Several factors influenced Zubimendi’s decision to join Arsenal. The opportunity to work with Arteta, a fellow San Sebastián native, was a major draw. Zubimendi was also excited to reunite with former Real Sociedad teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard, with whom he shares on-field chemistry. The duo of Zubimendi and Merino logged 11,229 minutes together across 169 matches at Sociedad, providing Arsenal with a ready-made midfield partnership.
Zubimendi himself described the move as “a huge moment in my career” and expressed his ambition to “win trophies with Arsenal.” The club’s need for a holding midfielder, following the departures of Jorginho to Flamengo and Thomas Partey as a free agent, made Zubimendi a strategic signing to bolster their midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Performance Stats and Impact at Arsenal
Zubimendi’s statistical output at Real Sociedad underscores his quality. In the 2024-25 La Liga season, he played 36 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His defensive contributions were exceptional, with top-five rankings among central midfielders for tackles, interceptions, and aerial duels won. His passing stats were equally impressive, with high rankings for successful passes, long passes, and progressive passes.
His durability is another asset. Zubimendi played at least 75% of Real Sociedad’s available minutes in each of the last four seasons, with a strong injury history that makes him a reliable option for Arsenal.
Early Days at Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal, Zubimendi has been tipped to transform their midfield. Analysts suggest he will allow Declan Rice to play a more advanced role, leveraging his defensive stability and passing range to free up Rice’s attacking instincts. Arsenal, who have been vulnerable to transitions in recent seasons, gain a “midfield stabiliser” in Zubimendi, whose ability to dictate play and protect the backline addresses a key weakness.
His integration into the squad is expected to be seamless, given his prior synergy with Merino and Ødegaard. Arteta has praised Zubimendi’s “quality and football intelligence,” emphasizing his role in controlling games and setting the tempo. While specific performance stats from his Arsenal tenure are not yet available as of July 16, 2025, his pre-season performances and early training sessions have generated excitement among fans and pundits.
Future Prospects
Arsenal’s Title Ambitions: Zubimendi’s arrival is seen as a statement of intent from Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. With a midfield bolstered by Zubimendi, Merino, and Ødegaard, and potential additions like strikers Viktor Gyökeres or Benjamin Šeško, Arsenal are poised to challenge for the title. Zubimendi’s ability to stabilize the midfield and facilitate transitions could be the missing piece in Arteta’s tactical puzzle.
International Career: At 26, Zubimendi is entering his prime and is expected to be a cornerstone of Spain’s midfield for years to come. With Rodri’s injury concerns, Zubimendi is well-positioned to become Spain’s primary holding midfielder, especially after his standout performances at Euro 2024 and the Nations League.
Legacy at Real Sociedad: Despite his departure, Zubimendi remains a beloved figure at Real Sociedad. His 236 appearances, Copa del Rey triumph, and role in their Champions League campaigns have cemented his status as a club legend. His farewell video, shared by @RealSociedadEN, was an emotional tribute to his 15-year journey with the club.
FAQs
What position does Martin Zubimendi play?
Martin Zubimendi mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. He is also capable of playing in central midfield roles, where his passing, positioning, and defensive contributions make him a vital part of his team’s midfield setup.
Has Martin Zubimendi played for the Spanish national team?
Yes, Martin Zubimendi has been called up to Spain’s national team. He has represented Spain at various youth levels and made appearances for the senior national team, reflecting his rising profile in Spanish football.
What is Martin Zubimendi’s playing style?
Zubimendi is known for his calm and composed playing style in midfield. He focuses on controlling the tempo of the game, recycling possession efficiently, and providing defensive cover. He combines physicality with technical skills, making him an all-rounded midfielder.
Has Martin Zubimendi won any titles or awards?
While Zubimendi is still early in his career, he has contributed to Real Sociedad’s successes, including their Copa del Rey win in the 2019-2020 season (although the final was played later due to COVID-19). He is considered one of the promising young talents in Spanish football.
In Summary
Martin Zubimendi’s journey from a shy, chess-playing kid in San Sebastián to Arsenal’s new midfield lynchpin is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and intelligence. His seamless blend of defensive solidity and creative passing makes him one of the world’s best No. 6s, and his move to Arsenal marks a new chapter in a career already filled with highlights.
As fans continue to search for answers about his playing style, transfer decisions, and potential impact, Zubimendi is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Premier League and beyond. With Arteta’s guidance and a talented squad around him, the stage is set for Zubimendi to fulfill his ambition of winning trophies and establishing himself as a global star.
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