
Eric Martel is a German professional footballer born on 29 April 2002 in Straubing, Bavaria. The defensive midfielder joined Mainz 05 in 2026 after four seasons with 1. FC Köln. Although Martel generally keeps his family life private, several details about his wife and parents have become public.
Who Is Eric Martel’s Wife?
Eric Martel appears to be married to Selina Ehgartner. A post listed on Martel’s verified Instagram profile refers to a civil wedding on 22 December 2025 and tags Selina’s account.
Earlier German media reports identified Martel’s long-term partner as “Caro.” In May 2025, publications including Express and idowa reported that he proposed to his partner during a beach holiday. The engagement took place at sunset on 22 May 2025, shortly after Köln secured promotion to the Bundesliga.
The difference between the name “Caro” in news coverage and the name Selina Ehgartner in Martel’s wedding post has not been publicly explained. However, his own social-media profile provides the most recent indication of his relationship status. As of now, Martel should therefore be described as married rather than merely dating.
Does Eric Martel Have Children?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Eric Martel has any children. He has not announced becoming a father, and reputable football or regional publications have not reported any children in his family.
This does not prove that he has none, but it means claims about children should not be presented as fact without confirmation from Martel or a dependable source.
Who Are Eric Martel’s Parents?
The names and occupations of Eric Martel’s parents have not been widely published. They are known to have lived in Straubing, where Martel was born and began playing football.
Martel has spoken warmly about his connection to his parents and hometown. In a 2022 interview with the regional publication idowa, he said that he visited his parents in Straubing when his football schedule allowed. He also described family, alongside sport, as one of the most important parts of his life.
His parents have remained outside the media spotlight despite their son’s professional career. Consequently, websites claiming to know their names or detailed personal backgrounds should be treated cautiously unless they provide a trustworthy source.
Eric Martel’s Father and His Football Development
Martel’s father played a particularly important supporting role during the midfielder’s teenage years. When Martel was initially rejected after a trial with RB Leipzig at the age of 14 because of concerns about his athletic development, his father helped him prepare for another opportunity.
According to an official 1. FC Köln profile, father and son trained together daily on a running track. Martel worked on his speed and conditioning before attending a second Leipzig trial. He was accepted on that occasion and moved approximately 400 kilometres from Straubing to Leipzig when he was 15.
His father has also represented him in charitable activities. In January 2024, Klinikum St. Elisabeth in Straubing reported that Martel donated two boxes of toys to its children’s hospital. Because Martel was unable to attend personally, his father delivered the donation for him.
Does Eric Martel Have Any Siblings?
As of now, no reliable public source has confirmed whether Eric Martel has brothers or sisters. Neither official club profiles nor established interviews provide verifiable information about siblings.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say that his sibling situation is private or publicly unknown. The football agent Denny Khedira has occasionally been mentioned as a “brother” in headlines connected with Martel, but those headlines refer to Khedira being the brother of footballers Sami and Rani Khedira—not a relative of Martel.
Eric Martel’s Family Background and Childhood
Martel grew up in the Straubing area of Lower Bavaria. He started playing youth football with RSV Ittling before joining the academy of SSV Jahn Regensburg. His move to RB Leipzig in 2017 was a major step because he left his family home at only 15 years old.
His career later took him to Austria Wien, 1. FC Köln and Mainz 05. Despite living away from Straubing for much of his professional journey, his interviews indicate that he has maintained a strong bond with his parents and his Bavarian hometown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eric Martel married?
Yes. Martel’s verified Instagram profile indicates that he and Selina Ehgartner had a civil wedding on 22 December 2025.
Who was Eric Martel’s girlfriend?
German media previously referred to his long-term partner as Caro and reported their engagement in May 2025. His later wedding post tags Selina Ehgartner, although the reason for the difference in names has not been publicly clarified.
Does Eric Martel have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed.
What are Eric Martel’s parents’ names?
The names of his mother and father have not been reliably disclosed in public sources.
Does Eric Martel have siblings?
There is no verified public information confirming whether he has brothers or sisters.
Where does Eric Martel’s family come from?
Martel was born and raised in Straubing, Bavaria, and his parents have been reported as living there.

Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
