The FIBA World Cup, as always, has been the stage where young talent has announced their entry into the highest echelons of the world of basketball. One of the stars making that revelation is Spain’s Iyana Martin, who has left fans talking about her long after Spain’s semifinal exit from the World Cup due to her unique achievement against Team USA in the semifinals.

Even FIBA joined in the act, appreciating Iyana Martin in an official post. FIBA posted Martin’s achievement on Instagram, while tagging their earlier post that mentioned Martin being the youngest player ever to score more than 16 points in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.

At just 20 years of age, Iyana Martin gave her all to keep Spain alive in the World Cup; however, the team came up short against the defending champions, Team USA.

Coming off the bench against the USA, Martin was pivotal in Spain’s play on both ends of the floor, finishing with a game-high 17 points alongside Maria Conde, while adding three rebounds, three assists, and three steals on the night. She was efficient in getting on the board as well, shooting 62.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

Despite Martin’s heroics, Spain failed to grab the finals berth as the US dominated large stretches of the game, though they tied the game in the third quarter, again courtesy of Iyana Martin’s two successful free-throw conversions. However, after managing to get the score level at 58, Spain struggled to score in the rest of the game, and the US closed the game 76-66 in their favor.

For Spain to make it this far in the tournament after suffering a shock defeat against Mali in the group stage, the youngsters of the team like Iyana Martin and Awa Fam clearly had to step up and take responsibility, something that their teammates and coach Miguel Mendez have time and again recognized.

“I don’t like to talk about a single player,” said coach Mendez. “But I can say that she’s a special person. Not just a special person, a special player,” referring to Iyana Martin.

“It’s pretty awesome that we have her on our team,” said Megan Gustafson, also chipping in Martin’s praise. “She is really young but so experienced in a way. She’s so calm.”

Not just her teammates, but Iyana Martin and the performances she has shown in this World Cup have remained the talking point among the fans.

“Clear MVP! 🔥👏,” one fan said.

Martin has been a late but deserved entrant to the MVP conversation in this tournament. Five games into her World Cup debut, she is already playing well beyond her years. With five consecutive double-figure outings totaling 83 points, Martin finds herself in rare Spanish air—trailing only iconic Sancho Lyttle for the most points scored across an opening four-game span in the competition.

In the second volume of the MVP list released by FIBA, Martin is the surprise new entrant at the number six position, even ahead of the likes of Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers.

“What a player. She’s gonna be BIG,” one fan remarked.

Martin has been just one of three Spanish players to average more than 20 minutes per game at the end of the group phase, indicating just how vital she has been to this team, despite her young age.

“Marteeen!!” She is the next magician!! I cannot wait for her here in Portland next year! We are gonna have quite a team🔥🔥🔥🔥🌹🏀,” another fan said.

“Absolute stud! Can’t wait to see her in Portland with Carla 😬🔥,” another fan chipped in.

Fans in the WNBA are clearly excited for Iyana Martin to make her debut with the Portland Fire, having been selected by them as the number 7 draft pick in the 2026 draft.

“She was scaring me 🔥👏,” one fan said.

“She’s amazing. More Caitlin Clark than Caitlin Clark herself🔥🔥🔥,” another fan said, referring to the similarities between Martin and USA’s Caitlin Clark, both of whom enjoy dishing out deep threes. So far, Martin has knocked down 12 of her 27 shots from beyond the arc, boasting an impressive conversion rate of 44.4%.

While Spain may not reach the final, there is still one more chance for Martin and Co. to add to their credentials, as they look to secure the bronze medal now.