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Javi MartinezSpanish footballer, midfielder for Bayern Munich.
Date of Birth: 02.09.1988
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Early Career and Breakthrough
- Rise to Prominence
- Transition to Defensive Midfielder
- National Team Career
- Honors
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Pamplona, Spain, Javier Martínez is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for Bayern Munich and the Spanish national team. He began his career with Osasuna, where he caught the attention of Basque club Athletic Bilbao. In 2006, at just 17 years old, he joined Athletic for a transfer fee of €6 million.
Despite his age, Martínez quickly established himself in the team, playing over 30 matches in his first season. His mature performances and integration into the squad impressed both fans and experts alike.
Rise to Prominence
Martínez continued to progress in Bilbao, earning recognition as one of the most promising young players in Spain. In 2010, he was named the Don Balón Young Player of the Year. Rumors of a possible move to a bigger club intensified, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Fiorentina reportedly interested.
In August 2012, Martínez made the switch to Bayern Munich for a fee of €40 million. He gradually became a regular in the starting lineup for the Bundesliga giants, playing a pivotal role in their treble-winning season of 2012/13.
Transition to Defensive Midfielder
Under Josep Guardiola, Martínez was often deployed as a central defender, though he偶尔 would play in his more familiar holding midfield role. However, upon the return of Jupp Heynckes in the 2017/18 season, Martínez was reinstated as a defensive midfielder.
Martínez captained Bayern Munich for the first time in a Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on November 25, 2017. Despite the loss, Martínez remained positive, stating: "It was an honor to captain such a team. We will give everything to get the next three points."
National Team Career
Martínez has represented Spain at youth level, winning the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He made his debut for the senior national team in 2010, coming off the bench against Saudi Arabia. He played one match in the victorious 2010 FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad that won the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
Martínez missed the 2016 European Championship due to injury but has since been called up to the squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Honors
Club- Bundesliga: 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17
- DFB-Pokal: 2012/13, 2013/14, 2015/16
- DFL Supercup: 2016, 2017
- UEFA Champions League: 2012/13
- UEFA Super Cup: 2013
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2013
International
- FIFA World Cup: 2010
- UEFA European Championship: 2012
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2007
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011
Individual
- Don Balón Young Player of the Year: 2010
Personal Life
Javier Martínez has an older brother, Álvaro, who is also a professional footballer. He met his girlfriend, María Imizkoz, in 2010. They welcomed their first child, Luka, in 2016. Martínez announced in January 2018 that they were expecting their second child.
