Jackson Martínez Ends Six-Year Retirement, Returns to Independiente Medellín at 39

Colombian striker Jackson Martínez is ending a six-year retirement to return to professional football with Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM), the club announced on Friday. The 39-year-old forward has signed an initial contract running until December 2026.

Martínez had not played competitively since December 2020, when he retired after a career hampered by a serious ankle injury suffered between 2015 and 2016. His return marks a reunion with the club where he made his senior debut in 2005 and became one of its most iconic goalscorers.

Club announcement and context

Independiente Medellín confirmed the move in an official statement, describing Martínez as “one of the great references in the history of Deportivo Independiente Medellín and one of the top scorers of our institution.” The club added: “His return represents much more than the arrival of a player. It is the return of a reference who left an indelible mark on our institution and who, after building an outstanding international career, returns to wear red to continue writing his history with DIM.”

Martínez will join a squad that includes fellow Colombian international Juan Fernando Quintero, a former Porto teammate, offering an immediate attacking link-up for the remainder of the Colombian league season.

Career arc from Medellín to Europe and Asia

Martínez began his professional career at Independiente Medellín in 2005, scoring 44 goals for the club. He was the top scorer in the 2009 Clausura tournament with 18 goals and helped DIM win the league title that same year. His performances earned a move to Mexican side Jaguares de Chiapas in 2009, where he scored 36 goals over three seasons.

In 2012, he joined Porto in Portugal, where he became one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. He scored 67 goals in 89 appearances for the Portuguese club, winning three Primeira Liga titles and the 2013 Taça de Portugal. His form attracted interest from Atlético Madrid, who signed him in July 2015 for a reported €35 million.

His time at Atlético was brief and difficult. Martínez scored three goals in 23 appearances across all competitions during the 2015-16 season, struggling to adapt to Diego Simeone’s system. He was sold to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande in February 2016 for a reported €42 million.

In China, Martínez scored four goals in 16 matches across league and cup competitions before persistent ankle problems sidelined him. He did not play a single minute during the 2017 season. His contract was terminated in March 2018 after more than 18 months without competitive football.

He attempted a comeback with Portuguese side Portimonense in 2018, scoring his last professional goal in February 2020 during a 2-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon. He announced his retirement in December 2020, citing the ankle injury as the reason he could no longer perform at the level he expected.

Why this matters for Colombian football

Martínez’s return adds a veteran presence to a DIM side competing in the Colombian Primera A. While he is unlikely to replicate his peak form from a decade ago, his experience and finishing ability could provide valuable depth for the club’s push toward the end of the season. The move also generates significant interest in Colombian football, drawing attention to the league from international audiences who remember Martínez from his Porto and Atlético Madrid days.

The signing reflects a broader trend of former internationals returning to their boyhood clubs late in their careers, often to provide leadership and mentorship to younger players. For DIM supporters, Martínez remains a cult figure from the 2009 title-winning side.

Key facts

Uncertainties and limitations

The club has not disclosed whether Martínez is match-fit or how many minutes he is expected to play. His last competitive appearance was more than six years ago, and his ankle remains a long-term concern. The initial contract runs only until December, suggesting the move is a short-term trial rather than a multi-year commitment.

Source: Mundo Deportivo Futbol – https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/internacional/20260912/1004226189/jackson-martinez-descuelga-botas-seis-anos.html