Jackson Martínez returns from retirement to score winner
Former Porto and Atlético Madrid forward Jackson Martínez makes a fairytale return after six years out, scoring the winning goal for Independiente Medellín.
Colombian football witnessed a fairytale return as Jackson Martínez stepped back onto the pitch for an official match after more than six years of absence. The 40-year-old forward, previously a star for Porto and Atlético Madrid, made his comeback for Independiente Medellín in their Liga BetPlay clash against Alianza FC.
The comeback proved to be spectacular. Despite the team playing with ten men following Diego Moreno's 70th-minute expulsion, Martínez became the hero of the night. In the 87th minute, he capitalized on a rebound inside the box following a play by John Montaño to secure a 2-1 victory. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review, cementing the win for the home side.
Martínez's last official appearance dated back to July 2020 with Portimonense in Portugal. He had announced his retirement later that year due to chronic ankle issues that had plagued him since 2015, effectively preventing him from competing at the top level.
In September 2026, the veteran decided to return to Independiente Medellín, the club where he began his career and won the Colombian championship in 2009. This goal marked his 50th strike in the Colombian league with the club, marking a memorable return to the sport.