Corinthians confirm mutual contract end with José Martínez

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Central do Timão

·13. Februar 2026

Corinthians confirm mutual contract end with José Martínez

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the night of Thursday (12th), Corinthians defeated Red Bull Bragantino in Itaquera, 2-0, in a match valid for the third round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship. The Corinthians goals were scored by Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Bidu. With this result, the Alvinegro rose to 12th place with three points in two games—three goals scored and two conceded.

Before coach Dorival Júnior’s press conference, Corinthians’ football executive, Marcelo Paz, made a statement to the journalists present and confirmed an agreement for the amicable termination with midfielder José Martínez. According to TNT Sports, the Alvinegro will cover 30% of his salary between February and December 2026. In 2027, the year his contract would have ended, the club will not pay any amount.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

It’s worth remembering that José Martínez traveled to Venezuela at the end of 2025 to renew his work passport. However, a diplomatic issue between his country and the United States caused the athlete to be ‘stuck’ in Venezuela, as Nicolás Maduro was captured by the Americans. The number 70 only requested the reissuance of his visa on January 13. As a result, the Corinthians squad returned on January 3 at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, and the athlete, in turn, ended up missing a month and a half of the season.

Last week, Martínez reported back to the training center, but was found to have a knee ligament injury. Initially, the idea was a termination for just cause, but later, it was decided to go for an amicable contract termination. Marcelo Paz also revealed that the Alvinegro will monitor and cover the costs of the player’s surgery, who is expected to be out of action until the end of the year.

“Everyone knows about the difficult situation we had at the beginning of the year, about his not returning. When he did return, he had an injury. We discussed internally, the board, the legal department, the medical department, everyone, about what action should be taken. And it was decided to make an amicable agreement, which is in its final stages. Corinthians would have the possibility, facts, grounds to make an indirect termination, to really end the contract unilaterally, but we opted for something friendly and discussed, also considering the human side of the player, who will have to undergo surgery.”

“Understanding the legacy he leaves at the club as well, he won titles. When he was here, he honored the shirt. However, the disciplinary issue comes first. The club could not let a situation like this go unnoticed, which really goes against what the club as a whole thinks about behavior, conduct, about honoring Corinthians’ values,” he said.

After the injury diagnosis, images circulated on social media of José Martínez playing in a friendly match in Venezuela with knee protection. In the footage, he appears limping, already indicating the knee injury. The situation involving the player caused discomfort in the football department, highlighted by coach Dorival Júnior in all his interviews when asked about the topic.

“So it was decided on an agreement that is in its final stage, being drafted, but already discussed between the parties to reach an agreement. And Martínez is ending his contract with Corinthians in this way. We wish him good luck and a speedy recovery. We will provide assistance with the surgery. The surgery will be monitored by Corinthians, by our medical department, so that soon after he can begin his recovery and return to playing football as soon as possible. However, at another club. We think it is important to make this statement so that there are no doubts about Corinthians’ conduct in this case,” he concluded.

José Martínez was signed by Corinthians in the second half of 2024 for 2 million dollars (about R$10 million at the exchange rate at the time) from Philadelphia Union, United States. Since then, he participated in the team’s historic run in the 2024 Brasileirão (from the relegation zone to the Pre-Libertadores and a spot in the Copa do Brasil), as well as being a starter in the Paulista Championship and Copa do Brasil titles, both in 2025, against Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama, respectively. In 70 games wearing the Corinthians shirt, he scored two goals and provided two assists.

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