On August 4, 2025, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced an official sanction against FC Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez following his controversial remarks directed at Real Madrid’s young center-back Dean Huijsen. Martínez, in a press conference following a LaLiga match, stated that Huijsen “is not worthy of being a Spanish player,” sparking a wave of criticism and reigniting tensions in Spanish football. The RFEF, after assessing the remarks, deemed them to constitute serious unsportsmanlike conduct, imposing a four-match suspension and a fine on the player, in accordance with Article 98.1 of the disciplinary regulations.
Martínez’s comments came amid heightened rivalry following the clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, where the 20-year-old Huijsen stood out for his defensive solidity. The youngster, born in Amsterdam but raised in Spain since the age of five, opted to represent the Spanish national team instead of the Dutch, a decision that has sparked debate. Martínez, a veteran with 21 caps for La Roja, appeared to question Huijsen’s loyalty to the national team, which many interpreted as a personal attack and an affront to the unity of Spanish football. The RFEF, in its statement, emphasized that the statements not only undermine the sporting spirit but also undermine the image of the national team, especially at a time when Spain is seeking to consolidate its position as UEFA Nations League champions.
The incident is not the first time Martínez has been embroiled in controversy. In March 2025, the defender was at the center of a dispute when Osasuna challenged his participation in a LaLiga match, alleging improper selection following his injury in the national team squad. Although the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee dismissed the complaint, confirming that Martínez was officially released on medical grounds, the episode cast a shadow over his relationship with the national team. Furthermore, in May 2025, Martínez sparked controversy by waving a Catalan independence flag during Barcelona’s LaLiga title celebrations, prompting criticism from sections of the Spanish fans and questions about his commitment to La Roja.
The sanction imposed on Martínez comes at a delicate time for the 34-year-old, who recently renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2027 thanks to his solid performances alongside Pau Cubarsí. However, his absence from Luis de la Fuente’s recent squads, combined with this latest incident, has fueled speculation about his future with the national team. The RFEF, in its ruling, emphasized that Martínez’s statements violate the principles of respect and fair play, especially when directed at a fellow professional and national team member. Huijsen, for his part, responded with restraint on social media, thanking fans for their support and reaffirming his pride in representing Spain.
The case has reopened the debate about footballers’ freedom of expression and the limits of criticism in the sporting world. While some defend Martínez, arguing that his words reflect the passion and rivalry of football, others believe his comment was unnecessarily divisive, especially as the Spanish national team seeks to project unity following its recent successes. The sanction has also generated mixed reactions among clubs. FC Barcelona issued a statement supporting their player but urging him to moderate his remarks in the future, while Real Madrid, Huijsen’s club, expressed its support for the young defender and condemned any form of personal attack.
Martínez’s suspension will prevent him from participating in upcoming LaLiga matches, a blow to Barcelona, which relies on his experience at the back. Furthermore, the unspecified fine adds to previous sanctions the player has faced, such as the four-match ban in 2021 for an assault on Sergio León while playing for Athletic Club. As Spanish football prepares for the upcoming international window, this episode highlights the simmering tensions between clubs, players, and the federation, leaving open questions about how the RFEF will handle future conflicts in a sport where emotions and rivalry are inevitable.
