FC Cincinnati have signed midfielder José Martínez to a contract through the 2026 Major League Soccer season, with an option through June 2027, the club announced today.
Martínez, 32, spent parts of five seasons in MLS with Philadelphia Union before being transferred to Brazilian Série A side Corinthians in August 2024, where he made 70 appearances across all competitions since with the historic Brazilian club.
“We’re excited to welcome José to Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He’s an experienced player, a proven winner, and an elite competitor. He continues to attack his rehab with that same mentality, and we look forward to him joining the group.”
Since joining Corinthians in August 2024, the defensive midfielder scored two goals in his 70 appearances and won two trophies with the Brazilian powerhouse, including starting both legs of their 2025 Copa do Brazil triumph over CR Vasco da Gama last December.
Martínez was a mainstay with Philadelphia in his five prior seasons in MLS with the Union. He made 108 MLS appearances – 100 starts – in his time with the club as the Union made the playoffs each of his four full seasons in Philadelphia, including winning the 2020 Supporters’ Shield and making an appearance in MLS Cup 2022 as Eastern Conference Champions.
Nicknamed ‘El Brujo’ – ‘The Wizard’ – Martínez was named an MLS All-Star in 2023 and totaled 148 appearances in all competitions with Philadelphia, scoring three goals and 12 assists in league play. He additionally made 10 appearances, all starts, for the Union in the MLS Cup Playoffs, including recording an assist in MLS Cup 2022.
The Maracaibo, Venezuela native has also been a mainstay for his national team, earning 41 caps for Venezuela. He has appeared in two Copa América tournaments, including starting all four of their matches at the 2024 edition held in the United States.
Prior to joining the Union, Martínez joined from Venezuelan club Zulia FC where he scored two goals and four assists across 65 appearances in 2018 and 2019. Martínez began his professional career with Deportivo JBL del Zulia, from 2016-17, in his hometown of Maracaibo. He has totaled nearly 350 professional appearances since his top-flight debut in 2016.
TRANSACTION: On October 9, 2026, FC Cincinnati sign José Martínez to a contract through the 2026 Major League Soccer season, with an option though June 2027.
JOSÉ MARTÍNEZ
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9’’
Birthdate: August 7, 1994 (34)
Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela
How Acquired: Via signing on October 9, 2026.
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