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Josef Martinez will not return to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2026, with the sides mutually agreeing to part ways.
San Jose will decline Martinez’s option and he is now eligible for MLS free agency. Martinez and sporting director/head coach Bruce Arena retained a good relationship, which is why they worked collaboratively.
Martinez, 32, was San Jose’s leading goal scorer this season with 14 goals in league play. San Jose narrowly missed the playoffs in the team’s first season under Bruce Arena.
It was an extremely encouraging year for Martinez, who had his best single-season by goals and minutes played (1,874) since a devastating knee injury suffered in 2020, and complications during recovery.
Martinez always has interest in a potential homecoming with Atlanta United, especially as Tata Martino is finalizing a deal to become head coach again. Martino initially signed Martinez to Atlanta and the pair had a close relationship as Martinez delivered one of the best multi-season spans in MLS history.
It’s unclear what Atlanta’s plans are at this stage. The forward has featured for four different teams in the last four seasons, including his final with Atlanta. He also played for Inter Miami and CF Montréal before coming to San Jose.
Nov 6, 2025
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