Eric Martel - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Scores as substitute Martel scored a goal with his lone shot while crossing once inaccurately during Saturday's 4-3 win over Mainz.

Impact Martel entered the match in the 65th minute and scored 13 minutes later. The goal was the first this season for Martel as he made his first appearance following a three match absence due to a knee injury to begin the new year.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Finds bench role Martel (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Impact Martel passed his late fitness call after coach Urs Fischer confirmed he was a candidate for the squad despite having only recently returned to full team training following his lengthy MCL injury absence. Fischer had already ruled out an immediate return to the starting XI, and a bench role represents the most logical first step in his reintegration as Mainz gradually increases his workload.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Gladbach clash Martel (knee) is a late fitness call for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Martel is also a candidate for the squad, bu...

Impact Martel has continued to build his fitness after recently returning to full team training following a lengthy absence with an MCL injury. The midfielder is now close enough to a competitive return to be considered for Saturday's squad, though manager Urs Fischer has already ruled out an immediate return to the starting XI. If included, Martel would likely be limited to a substitute role as Mainz gradually increases his workload.

SEPTEMBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing season debut Martel (knee) completed full team training Friday for the first time since suffering an MCL injury but will not be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frank...

Impact Martel has taken a significant step toward his season debut after being sidelined since suffering the knee injury in late July. The midfielder is now participating without restrictions, but his lengthy absence means Mainz will give him additional training time before bringing him back into the matchday squad. The Sept. 19 trip to Borussia Monchengladbach could provide the next opportunity for Martel to return, though his availability for that match has yet to be determined.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Still unavailable Martel (knee) is still unavailable for selection but should resume partial team training soon, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Martel is still unavailable. Eric is next in line fo...

Impact Martel has been sidelined since suffering a knee ligament injury during a preseason friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, an issue that has already delayed his competitive Mainz debut past multiple matches. No firm timeline has been established for his return, and his continued recovery will be worth monitoring as the club provides further updates regarding his imminent partial team training.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Remains sidelined Martel (knee) remains unavailable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Paderborn as he continues his recovery from a right knee ligament injury, according to coach Urs Fischer....

Impact Martel remains sidelined after suffering the knee injury during a preseason friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai. The midfielder was initially expected to miss several weeks and has yet to recover sufficiently to return to contention. His continued absence delays his competitive debut for Mainz, with no firm return date established.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off early with knee injury Martel was forced off in the sixth minute of Mainz's friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai after injuring his knee in a lunging challenge inside the box, according to the club.

Impact Martel blocked the shot but got his right leg caught in the turf during the challenge, and though he was treated behind the goal and attempted some test running afterward, the early nature of the injury is a concerning start to his time at Mainz following his summer move from Koln. He was a regular starter for Koln last season, contributing two goals and two assists across 31 appearances, and further clarity on the severity of this new issue will be needed as he begins his integration with his new club.

AUGUST 1 • ROTOWIRE

Moves to Mainz Martel has completed a transfer to Mainz from Koln, according to his new club.

Impact Martel is on the move this offseason but won't go far, transferring to Mainz in a move from one German club to another. This comes after the midfielder was a regular starter for Koln during the 2025/26 campaign in their return to the Bundesliga, starting in 30 of his 31 appearances. He would also score two goals and two assists, showing some decent value at only age 24. This will add another contender to a decently young Mainz midfield, giving them a bit more depth and versatility in the middle of the pitch.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Active on both sides of ball Martel took two off target shots, blocked two shots and made three tackles (winning two) during Saturday's 5-1 loss to Bayern.

Impact Martel was active on both sides of the ball leading Koln in shots, blocks and tackles during the lopsided defeat. The midfielder ends the year with four goal involvements, 46 tackles and 124 clearances while making 31 league appearances.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Back from ban Martel is no longer suspended and is an option for the club moving forward.

Impact Martel is rejoining his team for the final match day, as the midfielder has served his one-match ban. He has been a starter in the midfield for the entire season and should return to that spot for the finale, scoring two goals and two assists in 30 appearances (29 starts).

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss Heidenheim game Martel picked up his tenth yellow card of the season against Union Berlin and will be suspended for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Heidenheim.

Impact Martel is unavailable for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Heidenheim due to suspension after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season against Union Berlin. The midfielder is an undisputed starter for his side, with two goals and two assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances this season, while Jakub Kaminski is expected to start in midfield in his absence.

MAY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Fires two shots Martel took two off target shots, crossed once inaccurately, made two interceptions and four tackles (winning three) during Friday's 1-1 draw with St. Pauli.

Impact Martel was active on both sides of the ball as he led Koln in shots and interceptions while finishing with the second most tackles on the team. The midfielder has combined for a goal, five shots, seven tackles and six interceptions over his last three appearances.

APRIL 17 • ROTOWIRE

Option again Martel is no longer suspended and is an option for his club again.

Impact Martel is back in the fold after a week out, having been shown a red card in his last appearance. He should see an almost immediate return to a starting role, as the midfielder started in 25 of his 26 appearances before the ban, recording two goals and two assists.

APRIL 5 • ROTOWIRE

Shown red Saturday Martel scored one goal before being sent off in the 86rd minute of Saturday's match against Monchengladbach and will be suspended for the upcoming clash against Frankfurt.

Impact Martel scored one goal but received two yellow cards, resulting in a red card, during Saturday's match against Monchengladbach and will miss the next game against Frankfurt. The German has started 25 of the 26 Bundesliga matches he has played this season, recording two goals and two assists, so his absence could be felt. Tom Krauss is the main candidate to start in his place during his suspension.

MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE

Nets one in draw Martel scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw against FC Heidenheim. In addition, he was give...

Impact Martel fired a season-high three shots and made sure that his first shot on target of the season counted, as he headed home his squad's first goal of the match in the 18th minute of play. This also marked the third time this season that he set up at least two chances created in a match, and the 13th time in 16 appearances that he tallied at least 30 completed passes.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Dishes assist in win Martel assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 victory against Hoffenheim.

Impact Martel logged his second assist of the campaign, both of which have come within the last three outings. This also marked his fourth chance created in six appearances on the year. Additionally, he stood out defensively by nabbing multiple interceptions for a fourth time, and earning his sixth tackle won.

OCTOBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Assists before substitution Martel had an assist with his lone chance created while taking an off target shot, blocking two shots and making three interceptions during Saturday's match against RB Leipzig.

Impact Martel set up Jan Thielmann in the 23rd minute while leading Koln in blocks and interceptions as of his substitution in the 59th minute. The assist was the first goal involvement this season for Martel as he had played every minute of every match prior to Saturday's contest.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Appears in friendly Martel (back) started and appeared in a friendly against Leicester City.

Impact Martel is earning a return to action after battling a back issue this week, with the midfielder finding his way back on the field for a friendly. This is good news for the club as he can now be considered fit for the start of the season, gaining back a regular starter ahead of the campaign.

JULY 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Martel is following individual training on Tuesday after suffering back problems on Sunday, the club announced.

Impact Martel suffered from back problems on Sunday and returned to the pitch on Tuesday for individual training. That said, it is not the only update for the young defender since he has only one year left on his contract and his future remains a bit uncertain for the time being. Reports say Italian side Fiorentina are keen on signing him, while FC Koln Sporting Director Thomas Kessler said recently that he will discuss with Martel during the training camp about his future.

JULY 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cologne returns to the Bundesliga as second division champion

Cologne has clinched its return to the Bundesliga as second division champion with a 4-0 rout of Kaiserslautern on the final day of the season

MAY 18, 2025 • Associated Press

Major minutes conitnue Martel has played every minutes of every match except for two this season.

Impact Martel has been asked to take over as the first choice defensive midfielder and he has done so with aplomb. Martel has faced big minutes and been brilliant in holding midfield alongside a variety of partners. Still it's hard to see much upside going forward for Martel especially after a tough start for the team.

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Leverkusen Martel is fit and in the starting XI to face Leverkusen on Sunday.

Impact Martel returns from an Achilles injury which has kept him out of Koln's last three matches. The midfielder had started three times prior to the injury and recovers his role in the starting XI now that he's fully fit.

OCTOBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in full training Martel (Achilles) returned to full training Friday, according to manager Steffen Baumgart. "Eric Martel have trained fully and things are looking good".

Impact It could be a long shot for Martel to be ready to play Sunday, but he has trained fully with the team and could be a late call against Bayer Leverkusen. He's missed the last three matches with an Achilles injury after starting the first three games from the defensive midfield. Denis Huseinbasic is still expected to start for the time being until Martel returns to full match form.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limited training participant Martel (Achilles) completed portions of first-team training ahead of Sunday's clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Impact Martel continues to work his way back toward a return versus Monchengladbach after the upcoming international break. Given his extended absence, the midfielder shouldn't be expected to immediately jump into the starting XI. Still, Martel featured in 26 of his last 32 Bundesliga appearances for the club and should be in contention once given the all-clear.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play Saturday Martel (Achilles) is expected to be an option for Saturday's match versus Stuttgart. "Eric was treated in Augsburg. We gave him the opportunity to clear his head. Now he's coming b...

Impact Martel was forced to sit out the last two matches with an Achilles injury. It is unclear if he would be ready to start the match, with Denis Huseinbasic the favorite for the spot in the lineup against Stuttgart in the defensive midfield alongside Dejan Ljubicic.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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Cologne returns to the Bundesliga as second division champion