Fernando Martín Carreras was a respected figure in Spanish football whose life and career spanned two decades on the pitch and culminated in a promising coaching role before his untimely death in a maritime disaster in Indonesia in December 2025.
Born on August 27, 1981, in Valencia, Spain, Martín stood out early for his athleticism and commitment to the game. Beginning his senior career in 2000 with Pego, he went on to play for several clubs across Spain’s competitive lower divisions. His journey included significant spells at Eldense and Benidorm before earning a move to Cultural Leonesa in 2007. Later, he would become a pivotal figure at Alcoyano, where he became team captain and helped steer the club to promotion to the Segunda División, Spain’s second tier.
Throughout his career, Martín was known as a reliable central defender. Standing at 1.84 meters, he combined tactical awareness with leadership on the field, traits that served him well during his playing days with Cartagena, Ontinyent, La Nucía, and Paterna. Collectively, he amassed more than 316 league appearances and contributed both experience and stability to each squad he joined.
In 2025, Martín transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of Valencia CF Femenino B, the reserve women’s team competing in the Tercera Federación. His appointment marked a new chapter in his football life, allowing him to shape and mentor young players while remaining deeply connected to his hometown club.
A Holiday That Turned Tragic
Martin’s wife and one of their daughters survived, having been thrown clear of the sinking vessel and later rescued. However, Martín and three of his children — Martin Garcia Mateo, Martines Ortuno Maria Lia, and Martines Ortuno Enriquejavier — were lost in the tragedy. Search and rescue efforts faced challenging conditions, with rough seas and weather complicating operations.
The disaster sent shockwaves through the global football community and beyond. News of the accident drew widespread attention, highlighting both the fragility of life and the unpredictability of travel far from home.
Valencia CF and the Football World in Mourning
Valencia CF issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Martín and his children, describing it as an “immeasurable tragedy” for the club and its wider family. The club extended heartfelt condolences to Martín’s surviving family members, colleagues, and friends, underlining his impact as both a coach and human being.
Tributes also flowed from across Spain and the international sports community, honoring Martín’s contributions as a player and coach who embodied dedication, resilience, and leadership.
A Legacy Remembered
In a sport often defined by headlines of victories and transfers, Fernando Martín Carreras will be remembered for his steady presence both on and off the field, his commitment to developing the next generation of players, and his role as a father. His death — and that of his three children — serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected and profound turns life can take.
To those who knew him through football, and to those across continents touched by his story, Martín’s legacy endures as a tribute to passion, community, and the enduring bonds of family.