Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who serves as a backup for Inter, was involved in a tragic accident in Fenegrò. According to La Repubblica, Martínez hit an 81-year-old man who was traveling in an electric wheelchair. The impact was extremely violent, Italian media reported. Emergency services arrived immediately by helicopter and ambulance. Despite their efforts, they could not save the victim, who died instantly after veering into the opposite lane.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Mundo Deportivo reported that an initial reconstruction suggests the elderly man may have suddenly changed direction. It is possible that he suffered a fainting spell or a heart attack at the moment. Martínez stopped his vehicle immediately and attended to the man until paramedics arrived. The goalkeeper, 27, escaped unharmed, but was deeply shaken by the incident.
The causes are still under investigation
In response to the tragedy, Inter canceled the press conference with coach Chivu that had been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Martínez’s career has included formative years at Alzira and Barcelona’s youth academy. He later played for Las Palmas and RB Leipzig before joining Inter in 2024, after a loan spell at Genoa. Martínez made his senior debut for Spain on June 8, 2021, in a friendly against Lithuania.
Trágico accidente en Italia: El portero del Inter Josep Martínez atropelló mortalmente a un anciano https://t.co/mQixDEGM4B
— El Colombiano (@elcolombiano) October 28, 2025
Both the club and Martínez’s representatives have expressed their sorrow over the accident. Meanwhile, Italian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine exactly what happened. The accident has left the football community in shock and has highlighted the unpredictable nature of life even outside the pitch.
The tragic event underscores the importance of caution and attention near roads, particularly for those with mobility limitations. Martínez’s swift reaction in stopping and assisting the victim demonstrates his responsibility, but the incident remains a heartbreaking moment for all involved.
