FC Cincinnati signs Venezuelan midfielder José Martínez

FC Cincinnati has officially signed Venezuelan midfielder José ‘Brujo’ Martínez to the Major League Soccer (MLS) side. The contract runs through the remainder of the 2026 season, with an additional option to extend his stay until June 2027.

Martínez, 31, returns to the MLS after a period in Brazil with Corinthians. During his time with the Brazilian club, he made 70 appearances and won two trophies, including the 2025 Copa de Brasil. His departure from Corinthians followed a period of recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and previous disputes regarding his return to the team following the end-of-year holidays.

Prior to his stint in Brazil, Martínez was a prominent figure in the MLS, playing five consecutive seasons with the Philadelphia Union. During his tenure in Philadelphia, he made 108 league appearances, helped the team secure the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, and reached the 2022 MLS Cup final. He was also selected for the 2023 MLS All-Star game. The FC Cincinnati management expressed enthusiasm for his experience and competitive nature as the team enters the decisive stage of the championship.