Who Is Josep Martinez? Inter Milan Backup Goalkeeper Involved In Fatal Road Traffic Collision

Who is Josep Martinez? That is a question many are pondering after the Inter Milan star was involved in a fatal road traffic collision on October 28. 

Martinez was understood to be driving when the tragedy unfolded just before 10am CET on Tuesday. The incident resulted in the death of an elderly man named locally as Paolo Saibene.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Inter's backup goalkeeper, Josep Martinez, was involved this morning in a fatal road accident. 😢

His car struck an 81-year-old man in a wheelchair, who had suffered a medical emergency. Despite the rapid intervention of emergency services, the victim did… pic.twitter.com/Wsh3bpnxNY

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 28, 2025

Who Is Josep Martinez?

Josep Martinez Riera is a 27-year-old professional soccer player who currently represents Inter Milan. The Spanish backup goalkeeper was previously on the books of fellow Serie A side Genoa.

Martinez moved to Inter in the summer of 2024 from the Grifone. To date, he has featured 12 times in all competitions for the Nerazzurri. Martinez made his debut in a 2-0 Coppa Italia R16 win against Udinese last season.

During his time at the San Siro, Martinez has kept seven clean sheets. He has featured twice in Serie A this season against Sassuolo and Cagliari.

Before moving to Italy, Martinez also played for Germany’s RB Leipzig and Las Palmas in Spain. He earned his one and only Spain senior cap in 2021.

Josep Martinez Car Crash

The Josep Martinez car crash dominated Wednesday’s (October 29) front pages across Italy’s sports newspapers. Inter Milan’s second-choice goalkeeper tragically struck Paolo Saibene on his way to training.

It’s believed that the 81-year-old victim suffered a medical emergency in his motorized wheelchair and veered into the path of Martinez’s car.

Despite the Spaniard’s best efforts and immediate help from the local emergency services – which included an air ambulance and the local police – Mr Saibene passed away from his injuries.

Naturally, Martinez was in a state of shock when the accident occurred in Fenegro, which is a short distance from Inter’s training ground in Appiano Gentile.

Will Josep Martinez Play Again This Season?

After the tragedy, Josep Martinez was immediately supported by Inter Milan. That included regular contact from head coach Cristian Chivu and fellow Inter players.

The police investigation is currently underway whereby Martinez is understood to be fully co-operative. As is standard practice, the goalkeeper was subjected to a drugs and alcohol test at Saronno hospital.

When Martinez arrived home, the Nerazzurri had already arranged for a psychologist to visit the traumatized and grief-stricken star. Understandably, Martinez isn’t available for selection for at least the next seven days on compassionate grounds.

It’s likely that Martinez will play again this season. However, he will be fully supported and given as much time as he needs until he feels ready to return to action.

In the meantime, Chivu’s side will face Fiorentina on matchday 9. FootItalia’s Serie A predictions have forecast a 2-1 win for last season’s runners-up.

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta On Josep Martinez’s Car Crash

Owing to the tragedy, Inter Milan cancelled Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Firoentina clash at the San Siro.

Club officials are also expected to support Mr Saibene’s family. Inter president Beppe Marotta offered his condolences after the incident.

“Unfortunately, a serious and delicate event has occurred. Our deepest sympathies are clearly with the family of the deceased, and we also feel for our player, whom we know very well.

“These are situations and misfortunes that, unfortunately, are part of everyday life, but I hope that we can also benefit from this tragic situation.”