Cristian Martínez (Panamanian footballer)


Cristian Jesús Martínez is a Panamanian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Recreativo de Huelva, on loan from Cádiz CF.

Career

Chorrillo

Martínez joined the youth team of his local side Chorrillo at the age of 8, eventually joining the club's first team in 2012.

Columbus Crew

Martínez signed on loan with Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew on 17 May 2016. Martínez made his MLS debut on June 1, 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia Union. He scored in the 90+3', becoming the youngest Crew SC goal scorer in a regular-season match in club history. Martínez would be loaned by Crew SC to Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the club's USL affiliate. He made his Riverhounds debut against FC Montreal on August 10, 2016. Crew SC would recall Martínez for two more appearances at the end of the MLS season. On January 25, 2017 Martínez was acquired on a permanent transfer. On May 4, 2017, Martínez was loaned to United Soccer League club FC Cincinnati. He played in one game before returning to Columbus Crew on May 8.
The club declined Martinez's contract option following the 2018 season, ending his time in Columbus after three years, 31 total appearances, and three goals.

Chicago Fire

On 12 December 2018, Martínez was selected by Chicago Fire in the MLS Waiver Draft.
On 24 August 2019, Martínez joined USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights on loan for the remainder of the season.

Cádiz

On 18 January 2020, Martínez signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Spanish Segunda División side Cádiz CF, being loaned to Recreativo de Huelva six days later.

International career

In May 2018 he was named in Panama's preliminary 35 man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23.