Gerard Martín, the 24-year-old Barcelona defender, experienced a remarkable growth during the 2025/26 season. His defensive dedication alongside Pau Cubarsí and his versatility on the field earned him the trust of coach Hansi Flick, who regularly selected him as a starter.
Flick fielded Martín in 41 official matches this season — 26 in La Liga, 12 in the Champions League, and 3 in the Copa del Rey. This highlights both his consistency and importance within the squad. Martín also played a role in Barcelona’s successful campaign, which culminated in winning the La Liga and Spanish Supercup titles.
On the pitch, Martín frequently partners with Pau Cubarsí, forming a solid defensive partnership that has provided stability at the back. His adaptability to different tactical setups and ranges of defensive tasks have been crucial to Flick's plans. However, despite his strong performances and the coach's confidence, Martín was surprisingly left out of Spain's 26-man World Cup squad, alongside fellow defender Alejandro Balde.
This omission granted him a long summer break, which he took full advantage of. Unlike the previous year, when a right hand injury during the U21 Euro preparation limited his rest, Martín spent this summer relaxing with friends in Mallorca and with his partner in Greece. He is set to return to training on July 13 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with other players not summoned for the World Cup. Later, the team will fly to England for a training stage from July 27 to August 3.
Gerard Martín remains a vital part of Barcelona’s defense, showing stability and a strong work ethic. With the upcoming season, he faces competition for his spot but his discipline and physical readiness suggest he will continue to be a regular starter and a valuable asset for the club.
