Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez was involved in a fatal collision with an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the football community and prompted Inter to cancel a crucial pre-match press conference. This tragic event raises immediate questions about player well-being and team dynamics ahead of critical fixtures.
The football world was stunned by news on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as reports emerged of a tragic road collision involving Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez. While on his way to training, Martínez’s vehicle struck an 81-year-old man using an electric wheelchair, resulting in the elderly man’s death at the scene. This incident has transcended typical sports news, prompting a deeper look into the human impact and the potential ramifications for the club.
The Tragic Details: What Happened on Via Bergamo
The collision occurred at approximately 9:40 AM on Tuesday morning on Via Bergamo in Fenegro, within the province of Como, near Inter’s training facility in Appiano Gentile. According to multiple reports, the 81-year-old man, who was using an electric wheelchair, may have suffered a medical episode just before the impact. This sudden illness reportedly caused him to veer from the cycle path into the lane of oncoming traffic, where Martínez was driving.
Sources indicate that Martínez immediately stopped his car and rushed out to administer first aid. Emergency services, including an ambulance and an air ambulance, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. However, despite their efforts, the elderly man was pronounced dead. Martínez himself was unharmed physically but is reported to be severely shaken and in a state of shock following the incident. Local police have launched an investigation to fully understand the circumstances of the collision, as reported by The Independent (The Independent).
Josep Martínez: A Goalkeeper’s Journey and Current Role
At 27 years old, Josep Martínez is currently Inter Milan’s second-choice goalkeeper, serving as backup to the experienced Yann Sommer. His path to San Siro has been one of consistent progression through European football. The Spanish national spent his formative years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, a testament to his early talent. He later gained first-team experience with Las Palmas before making a move to German club RB Leipzig in 2020, where he spent two years.
Martínez joined Inter in the summer of 2024 from fellow Italian club Genoa, where he had made 36 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, showcasing his abilities as a reliable shot-stopper. This season, he has featured twice in Serie A, starting in victories against Sassuolo and Cagliari. His role has taken on added significance due to the injury of Raffaele Di Gennaro, Inter’s other backup keeper, who is currently out for a month with a scaphoid fracture, further highlighting Martínez’s importance to the squad depth.
Inter Milan’s Immediate Response and Upcoming Schedule
In the wake of the tragic news, Inter Milan promptly canceled their scheduled 1 PM press conference with manager Cristian Chivu. This decision was made as a sign of respect for the victim and to allow the club and player to process the gravity of the situation, according to reports from Associated Press (Associated Press). The cancellation underscores the serious and somber atmosphere surrounding the club.
The incident comes at a crucial time for the Serie A giants. They are due to play Fiorentina at the San Siro on Wednesday evening, a vital match in their league campaign. Following this, Inter is scheduled to travel to Hellas Verona on Sunday and then host KAZ KH side Kairat Almaty in the Champions League next Wednesday. Their demanding schedule concludes with a clash against Lazio before the November international break.
The Human Element: Impact on Martínez and the Wider Community
While the immediate focus often falls on the sporting implications, the human toll of such an event is profound. Josep Martínez’s reported state of shock is entirely understandable. Being involved in a fatal accident, especially one with such tragic circumstances, can have significant and lasting psychological effects. The football community, known for its tight-knit nature, will undoubtedly rally around Martínez, offering support during this incredibly difficult time.
This incident also sparks conversations within fan communities about the pressures faced by athletes, both on and off the pitch. Fans are left to wonder about Martínez’s mental readiness for upcoming matches and how this personal tragedy might affect his performance and the team’s morale. The club’s decision to cancel the press conference reflects an understanding of the need to prioritize human empathy over immediate media obligations.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Aftermath
As the police investigation continues, Inter Milan faces the challenge of supporting their player while navigating a demanding fixture list. The club’s response in the coming days, both publicly and internally, will be crucial. It is a moment where the focus shifts from tactics and league positions to compassion and support for an individual facing an unimaginable personal crisis.
The broader implications for Martínez’s career and his mental well-being will likely be monitored closely by fans and medical staff alike. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for those in the public eye, and the importance of prioritizing mental health and support systems within professional sports.
