José Andrés Martínez Torres (born 7 August 1994) is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer and the Venezuela national team. Martínez has been referred to by the nickname "el Brujo" (Spanish for "the Wizard").
Club career
Zulia
After two seasons with Deportivo JBL del Zulia, Martínez signed with Zulia FC ahead of the Apertura tournament in December 2017. While with Zulia, he earned the 2018 Copa Venezuela title and made a historic run in the Copa Sudamericana; advancing through to the quarter-finals.
Philadelphia Union
In December 2019, Martínez signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia Union competing in Major League Soccer for a transfer fee reported around $325,000. Martínez made his debut start for the Union in a 3-3 draw at Los Angeles FC. During the 2020 season, Martinez grew praise for his quality of play as one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS. His first season in MLS finished with 14 regular season starts, contributing two assists, and ultimately resulting in the Union's first trophy, the 2020 Supporters' Shield. In January 2021, Martinez signed a new contract with the Union through the 2022 season, with options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
International career
Martinez received his first official call up to the Venezuela national team in October 2020. He represented the senior Venezuela national team in a 3–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification loss to Bolivia on 3 June 2021.
Season Stats
8 appearances in the current 2024 Season
MLS All-Star 2023-06-27 |