FC Bayern München welcomes Javi Martínez as brand ambassador

Javi Martínez, the 38‑year‑old former defensive midfielder, has returned to FC Bayern München as a brand ambassador, a role the German Rekordmeister announced on Saturday. He marked the appointment on Friday at Munich’s Viktualienmarkt, where Café Nymphenburg briefly became the ‘Taberna Martínez’ for fans.

Ambassador debut on Viktualienmarkt

He served behind the counter, greeting supporters personally. The club shared a video of him saying, “Servus Leute, Martínez hier – I’m very happy to be home again. Thank you for your support. Mia san Mia.” Marketing director Rouven Kasper praised the Spaniard’s deep bond with the club. The enthusiastic response on social platforms highlighted the lasting affection supporters hold for the former captain.

Triple‑winner turned brand face

In 2012 Martínez arrived from Athletic Bilbao for a Bundesliga record fee of 40 million euros. Under coach Jupp Heynckes he quickly became a key defensive all‑rounder and helped Bayern secure a historic Triple of league, cup and Champions League in his debut season. His versatility in defence and midfield was cited as a cornerstone of that success.

Across nine years he logged 268 official appearances, won nine Deutscher Meister titles, five DFB‑Pokal trophies and two Champions League crowns. He was also a squad member for the second Triple achieved in 2020, underscoring his continued importance to the club’s trophy‑laden era.

Post‑Bayern journey and new role

After departing Bayern in the summer of 2021, Martínez spent four seasons with Qatar SC before joining second‑division side Al‑Bidda SC in July 2025. He left Al‑Bidda a year later and has since been without a club, though he has not announced a formal retirement. The ambassador appointment underscores how a former Triple hero can still shape the club’s image off the field.

Martínez told fans he is “incredibly proud” to represent FC Bayern worldwide, signalling a fresh chapter beyond his playing career and a continued link between the club and its global supporters.