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Lisandro Martínez
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Lisandro Martínez (born 18 January 1998) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays primarily as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Nicknamed "The Butcher", he is known for his aggressive style of play and accurate long passes from the back.[3]
Key Information
Martínez began his career at Newell's Old Boys before joining Defensa y Justicia in 2017, initially on loan. He signed for Ajax in 2019, where he made 120 appearances over three seasons and won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup. He won the Ajax Player of the Year award in the 2021–22 season.
Martínez represented Argentina at under-20 and under-23 levels, before making his senior international debut in March 2019. He was a member of the Argentina squads that won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Club career
[edit]Newell's Old Boys
[edit]
Born in Gualeguay, Entre Ríos Province, Martínez had youth spells with Club Urquiza (Gualeguay, Entre Rios), Club Libertad (Gualeguay, Entre Rios) and Newell's Old Boys.[4][5] He made his professional debut for Newell's in the club's final fixture of the 2016–17 season, when he played the full match in a loss to Godoy Cruz.[6][7]
Defensa y Justicia
[edit]In August 2017, Martínez joined fellow Argentine Primera División side Defensa y Justicia on loan.[8][9] His first appearance for Defensa arrived on 13 October in a defeat against San Lorenzo.[7] Two appearances later, he scored his first senior goal in an away win versus Temperley.[7][10] Defensa y Justicia purchased 50% of the rights to Martínez in June 2018.[11]
Ajax
[edit]On 17 May 2019, Defensa y Justicia announced that a deal had been agreed with Eredivisie team Ajax; subject to the passing of a medical.[12] Ajax paid the Argentine side €7m for the transfer of Martínez.[13] Ajax announced the completion of the medical on 20 May, with the transfer to go through on 1 July.[14] He penned a four-year contract, with the option of a further year.[14] He didn't officially join until July, though did feature in June friendlies with Quick '20 and AaB.[7] Before Ajax signed him, they tracked his progress for two and a half years.[15] His competitive bow came in the 2019 Johan Cruyff Shield against PSV Eindhoven, as Ajax won the trophy following a two-goal victory.[7] He was voted man of the match in his second Eredivisie game, a win over Emmen.[16]
Martínez netted his first Ajax goal on 28 September, as he opened the scoring in a 2–0 victory over Groningen at the Johan Cruyff Arena.[17] He scored again against Utrecht in November, in a campaign which was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] In his first match of 2020–21, Martínez got his third Ajax goal in a home win versus RKC Waalwijk on 20 September.[7]
Manchester United
[edit]On 16 July 2022, it was announced that Manchester United had agreed a deal with Ajax for the signing of Martínez for a reported transfer fee between £47 million to £49 million, plus £8.5 million in add-ons.[18] The transfer was officially completed on 27 July, when Martínez signed a five-year contract with the club.[19] The next day, it was confirmed that he would wear the number six shirt last worn by Paul Pogba.[20] On 7 August, Martínez made his club debut in a 2–1 home loss against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.[21] However, after performances against rivals Liverpool and Southampton, he received the Manchester United Player of the Month award for August.[22]
On 22 January 2023, Martínez scored his first goal for Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.[23] His first trophy with the club came on 26 February, with a win over Newcastle United in the 2023 EFL Cup final.[24] On 13 April, Martínez injured his right foot while playing in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla. The following day, it was confirmed that he fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and would miss the remainder of the season.[25]
On 29 September, Martínez reinjured his foot,[26] and was sidelined for four months, returning on 14 January 2024 as a substitute in Manchester United's 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.[27] On 4 February, in a match against West Ham United, he was substituted in the 71st minute after a collision with West Ham defender Vladimír Coufal.[28] It was then confirmed that he had sustained an MCL injury, and was expected to be out for at least eight weeks.[29] He returned on 25 May in the 2024 FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester City, where United triumphed with a 2–1 victory.[30]
On 5 January 2025, Martínez scored the opening goal in a 2–2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.[31] He became the first Manchester United player to score at their rivals' ground since Jesse Lingard in 2018, ending a drought of five league visits to Anfield without a goal.[32] On 26 January, Martínez's deflected shot handed United a 1–0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.[33] A week later, on 2 February, he sustained an ACL injury during a match against Crystal Palace, which would sideline him for the rest of the season.[34]
International career
[edit]Martínez won four caps for the Argentina under-20 team at the 2017 South American Youth Football Championship in Ecuador.[7][5][35] The first came during the first stage against Venezuela, while the other three arrived during the final stage as Argentina finished fourth place and subsequently qualified for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea.[7] He received a call-up for the U-20 World Cup but failed to make an appearance, appearing on the substitutes bench once against Guinea.[7][36] Martínez made one appearance for Argentina at under-23 level,[37][better source needed] in a 5–0 friendly victory against Bolivia in September 2019.[38][39][better source needed]

In March 2019, Martínez received his first call-up to the senior team.[40] He debuted against Venezuela on 22 March in Madrid.[41] Martínez made one appearance at the 2021 Copa América,[7] which Argentina won.[42] He was an unused substitute in Argentina's 3–0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima.[43] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martinez came off the bench against Australia in the round of 16, making an important block on a shot by Aziz Behich.[44] Martinez was part of the starting XI against Netherlands in the quarter-finals and came off the bench against Croatia in the semis.[45] In the final against title-holders France, he was an unused substitute as Argentina won 4–2 on penalties to win their third World Cup title.[46]
On 15 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América.[47] He scored his first international goal, putting his team ahead in a 1–1 draw against Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the tournament, which ended with a victory in the penalty shootout.[48][49]
Style of play
[edit]He is primarily a centre-back, though he is capable of playing at left-back and as a defensive-midfielder, having played there at times for Defensa y Justicia and Ajax.[50][51] He is a ball-playing centre-back and is known for his range of passing and composure on the ball.[52][53] In the 2021–22 Eredivisie season, he averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other player.[54] Before signing him, Ajax's scouts characterised Martínez as a left-footed ball-playing defender who is "tough as nails" and possesses winning mentality.[15] At Manchester United, his performances earned him comparisons to legendary former United defender Nemanja Vidić, with Vidic himself praising Martínez for his aggressive defending and leadership.[55][56] Despite his relatively short stature for a defender, standing at 5'9", he is also effective in duels.[57]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 2 February 2025[7]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Newell's Old Boys | 2016–17 | Argentine Primera División | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2017–18 | Argentine Primera División | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Defensa y Justicia (loan) | 2017–18 | Argentine Primera División | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[c] | 0 | — | 24 | 1 | ||
| Defensa y Justicia | 2018–19 | Argentine Primera División | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7[c] | 0 | — | 34 | 2 | |
| Total | 46 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | — | 58 | 3 | |||
| Ajax | 2019–20 | Eredivisie | 24 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 12[d] | 0 | 1[e] | 0 | 41 | 2 | |
| 2020–21 | Eredivisie | 26 | 3 | 5 | 0 | — | 11[f] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 3 | ||
| 2021–22 | Eredivisie | 24 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | 8[g] | 0 | 1[e] | 0 | 37 | 1 | ||
| Total | 74 | 6 | 13 | 0 | — | 31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 120 | 6 | |||
| Manchester United | 2022–23 | Premier League | 27 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 10[h] | 0 | — | 45 | 1 | |
| 2023–24 | Premier League | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[g] | 0 | — | 14 | 0 | ||
| 2024–25 | Premier League | 20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8[h] | 0 | 1[i] | 0 | 32 | 2 | |
| 2025–26 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 58 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 91 | 3 | ||
| Career total | 179 | 12 | 20 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 59 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 270 | 12 | ||
- ^ Includes Copa Argentina, KNVB Cup, FA Cup
- ^ Includes Copa de la Superliga, EFL Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
- ^ Ten appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
- ^ Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, six appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield
International
[edit]- As of match played 15 October 2024[58]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 10 | 1 | |
| Total | 26 | 1 | |
Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Martínez goal.[citation needed]
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 July 2024 | NRG Stadium, Houston, United States | 21 | 1–0 | 1–1 (4–2 p) | 2024 Copa América |
Honours
[edit]Ajax[59]
Manchester United
Argentina
- FIFA World Cup: 2022[46]
- Copa América: 2021,[42] 2024[61]
- CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022[43]
Individual
- Ajax Player of the Year (Rinus Michels Award): 2021–22[62]
- Eredivisie Team of the Month: April 2021,[63] February 2022[64]
References
[edit]- ^ "UEFA Champions League 2021/2022: Booking List before Round of 16 Second Leg" (PDF). UEFA. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 January 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Lisandro Martínez: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "'If I have to step over dead bodies, I'll do it': Lisandro Martinez explains why he's nicknamed 'The Butcher'". 18 July 2022.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez: Los más chicos aprendemos de los referentes". Newell's Old Boys. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ a b "Reconocieron a Lisandro Martínez por su desempeño en el fútbol nacional". El Dia de Gualeguay. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Newell's se despide del torneo y de varios referentes". redaccionrosario.com. 27 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Lisandro Martínez: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez, de Newell´s a Defensa". TyC Sports. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez profile". BDFA. 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Defensa y Justicia aplastó a un Temperley que se hunde". Clarín. 5 November 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Newell's vende la mitad del pase de Lisandro Martínez a Defensa y Justicia". conclusion.com.ar. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez será transferido al Ajax de Holanda". Defensa y Justicia. 17 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- ^ Faisal, Hammad (29 June 2022). "Lisandro Martinez Analysis Can He Play in the Premier League?". CrossBar. Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Ajax verzekert zich van komst Argentijn Lisandro Martínez". AFC Ajax. 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 21 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
- ^ a b "The first time we saw Martínez". english.ajax.nl. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "NB: 'Waarom zou je Tadic niet als eerste spits zien?'". Ajax Showtime. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
- ^ "Ajax venció a Groningen y sigue como líder de la Eredivisie". TyC Sports. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Man Utd agree to sign Argentina centre-back from Ajax in £57m deal". BBC Sport. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Martinez signs for United". Manchester United F.C. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ Partington, Mikey (28 July 2022). "Revealed: Martinez's squad number". Manchester United F.C. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ Stone, Simon (7 August 2022). "Manchester United 1–2 Brighton: Erik ten Hag suffers defeat in first Premier League game". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Hill, Courtney (1 September 2022). "Lisandro Martinez wins Man Utd Player of the Month award for August 2022". Manchester United F.C. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Morgan, Richard (23 January 2023). "Martinez scores first goal for Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates". Sky Sports.
- ^ a b McNulty, Phil (26 February 2023). "Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Manchester United defender to miss rest of season with fractured foot | Raphael Varane out 'for a few weeks'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ "Man Utd injury update on Lisandro Martinez". Manchester United F.C. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 2". Soccerway. 14 January 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Lee, Sam (5 February 2024). "Lisandro Martinez's knee injury a 'personal disaster' – Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag". The Athletic. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Martinez injury confirmed". Manchester United F.C. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Yew, Oliver (26 May 2024). "Man City 1–2 Man Utd: Erik ten Hag's side end season on high with stunning FA Cup final win at Wembley". Sky Sports. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "Report: Liverpool 2 United 2". Manchester United F.C. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ^ "Report: Liverpool 2–2 Man Utd: Key stats". BBC Sport. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez goal gives stale Man United win at Fulham". ESPN. 27 January 2025. Archived from the original on 27 January 2025. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ "Revealed: Journalist reveals details of Lisandro Martinez's injury, he is out for the season". OneFootball. 3 February 2025.
- ^ "Se terminó el año para los juveniles". Argentine Football Association. 29 December 2017. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Argentina Sub 20 regresa a los trabajos en Ezeiza con miras al mundial de la categoría" (in Spanish). CONMEBOL. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez". besoccer.com. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "La Selección Sub 23 jugará ante Bolivia desde las 19, en el estadio de Banfield" (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
- ^ "Argentina U-23 5–0 Bolivia U-23". Besoccer. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Hay que trabajar para el futuro de la Selección" (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 7 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019.
- ^ "El elogio de Lisandro Martínez a Lionel Messi: "Es un líder nato"". TyC Sports (in Spanish). 27 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Argentina 1–0 Brazil". BBC Sport. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Italy 0–3 Argentina: Messi and Di Maria shine in impressive Finalissima win". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ "Martinez plays his part as Argentina progress". Manchester United. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ "2022 FIFA World Cup". Sky Sports. 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b McNulty, Phil (18 December 2022). "World Cup final: Argentina beat France on penalties in dramatic Qatar showpiece". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Nómina de futbolistas convocados por Lionel Scaloni para disputar la Copa América 2024 en Estados Unidos" [List of footballers called by Lionel Scaloni to compete in the 2024 Copa América in the United States] (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 15 June 2024.
- ^ "Lisandro Martinez Finds Perfect Time To Score First International Goal At CONMEBOL Copa América™". Copa América. 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Video: Lisandro Martinez scores his first goal for Argentina in Copa America quarter-final". Yahoo Sports. 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez, de la infancia humilde en Gualeguay al lujo del Ajax goleador: "Estaría bueno que los futbolistas ayudemos más a los que lo necesitan"". Clarín. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
- ^ "Ten exciting Champions League debutants to watch this week". The Guardian. London. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "Transfer window: 10 bargain signings of the summer so far". The Guardian. London. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Ronaldo's bombshell shows how far Man Utd have fallen. It might be just what they need". foxsports.com.au. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target has shone for Ajax and offers brains, brawn and versatility". Sky Sports. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ Murphy, Daniel (8 January 2023). "How Lisandro Martinez can solidify comparison to Manchester United legend". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Victor, Tom (10 February 2023). "Man Utd legend Vidic gives verdict on Martinez after Ferdinand claim". The Mirror. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Bate, Adam (22 August 2022). "Lisandro Martinez at Manchester United: Is 5'9" height a problem for Argentina defender in the Premier League?". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "Lisandro Martínez: Internationals". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ "Muchas gracias, Lisandro Martínez!". AFC Ajax. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
- ^ "Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ "Argentina defeats Colombia to Become The Champion of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™". Copa América. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "Martínez verkozen tot Speler van het Jaar" (in Dutch). AFC Ajax.
- ^ "Justin Bijlow proclaimed as Eredivisie Player of the Month". 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Ajax provides most players for team of the month February". eredivisie.eu. 4 March 2022.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Manchester United F.C. website
- Lisandro Martínez – UEFA competition record (archive)
Lisandro Martínez
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Lisandro Martínez was born on 18 January 1998 in Gualeguay, a small town of approximately 40,000 inhabitants in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina.[2] He was raised in a working-class family by his father, Raúl Martínez, a bricklayer, and his mother, Silvina Cabrera, in modest circumstances that included living at his grandmother's house.[10][11] Martínez maintains a close bond with his parents and extended family, including a younger sister for whom he serves as godfather.[10] From a young age, Martínez showed a strong interest in football, constantly carrying a ball and playing informally in his grandmother's yard with cousins and neighbors, fashioning goals from tree branches or other makeshift materials.[11] His father's influence was pivotal; at around age 13, Raúl took him to a construction site to witness the rigors of manual labor, an experience that underscored the challenges of their socioeconomic background and fueled Martínez's resolve to pursue football professionally.[11] These early, unstructured games in Gualeguay's rural setting provided his initial exposure to the sport before transitioning to organized youth training at local clubs including Club Urquiza, Club Libertad, and Club Atlético Gualeguay.[2][10][11]Youth career
Martínez joined the youth academy of Newell's Old Boys in 2014 at the age of 16, beginning his formal development in organized football.[12] Throughout his time in the academy, he progressed through the youth ranks, honing his skills as a central defender while receiving strong support from his family, who emphasized humility, respect, and a fighting spirit during his early days away from home.[13][14]Professional club career
Newell's Old Boys
Martínez made his professional debut for Newell's Old Boys on 27 June 2017, in the final match of the 2016–17 Primera División season against Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.[15] He started as a centre-back and played the full 90 minutes in a 0–2 home defeat, marking his entry into senior football at the age of 19.[16] This appearance showcased the positional versatility he had developed during his youth career at the club, allowing him to adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight competition despite limited prior senior exposure. During the early part of the 2017–18 season, Martínez featured sparingly for Newell's, primarily in a utility defender role amid stiff competition in the backline from established players.[4] His adaptation from the youth ranks to the senior level was gradual, with just one total appearance across all competitions before his departure, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the first team at a club with a deep defensive roster. No goals were scored during his time at Newell's, but the experience provided crucial seasoning for his subsequent development.[17] Facing limited starts, club officials considered loan options to provide Martínez with regular playing time and further maturation, leading to discussions about temporary moves within Argentina.[18] Ultimately, he remained with Newell's briefly before being loaned out on 11 August 2017, ending his senior stint at the boyhood club with 1 appearance in all competitions.Defensa y Justicia
Martínez joined Defensa y Justicia on 1 July 2018 from Newell's Old Boys II on a permanent transfer for a fee of €725,000.[19] The move followed an initial loan spell at the club in 2017, where he had begun to showcase his versatility as a defender, building on the multi-positional experience gained earlier at Newell's Old Boys.[20] The 2018/19 season marked Martínez's breakthrough at Defensa y Justicia, during which he made 25 appearances in the Argentine Primera División, primarily as a left-sided centre-back or left-back.[4] His performances were notable for strong defensive contributions alongside impressive ball-playing skills, including accurate passing and composure under pressure, which helped him establish himself as a key player in the team's build-up play.[21] Over his tenure at the club from 2018 to 2019, Martínez featured in 58 matches across all competitions, scoring 3 goals.[4] This period saw significant development in his game, transforming him into a more complete defender capable of combining tenacity in duels with progressive distribution from the back.Ajax
Martínez joined Ajax on 1 July 2019 from Defensa y Justicia for a transfer fee of €7 million, signing a three-year contract until 30 June 2023.[22] His move to Europe marked a significant step in his professional development, allowing him to adapt to a more intense tactical environment after honing his defensive fundamentals in Argentina.[23] In the 2019–20 season, Martínez quickly adapted to Ajax, making 41 appearances and scoring 2 goals across all competitions. He contributed to Ajax's Eredivisie title win that year, demonstrating versatility by playing as a centre-back and occasionally at left-back, while also featuring in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.[4][6] In the 2020–21 season, Martínez made 42 appearances and scored 3 goals across all competitions, primarily establishing himself as a center-back in Erik ten Hag's high-pressing system.[4][5] He contributed to Ajax's Eredivisie title win that year, demonstrating versatility by occasionally filling in at left-back while building partnerships in a backline focused on possession and quick transitions.[24] Injuries occasionally disrupted his rhythm, but his technical proficiency and reading of the game earned praise from Ten Hag for fitting seamlessly into the team's proactive defensive structure.[25] The 2021–22 season saw Martínez elevated to a starring role, with 37 appearances and 1 goal in all competitions, including pivotal contributions to Ajax's Eredivisie title and their run to the Champions League quarterfinals.[4][5] He was instrumental in the league triumph, anchoring a defense that conceded just 24 goals in 34 matches, and was named to the Eredivisie Team of the Season for his composure on the ball and duel-winning ability.[26] A standout performance came in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid on 5 April 2022, where he limited the Spanish side's attacks despite a 3–1 defeat, showcasing aggressive tackling and precise distribution in a high-stakes European fixture. Later injury issues curtailed his involvement, limiting him to 120 total appearances for Ajax before his departure.[27] Over his three seasons, he contributed to three Eredivisie titles in 2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22.[6]Manchester United
Martínez joined Manchester United from Ajax on 27 July 2022, signing a five-year contract for an initial fee of €57 million, with potential add-ons rising to €67 million; the move reunited him with manager Erik ten Hag, under whom he had previously excelled in the Netherlands.[28][29] He made his debut on 6 August 2022 in a 2–1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.[1] In the 2022–23 season, Martínez established himself as a key defender, making 27 appearances across all competitions and scoring once, a headed goal in a 3–2 league defeat to Arsenal on 22 January 2023, where his tenacity in duels and aerial challenges drew widespread praise.[30][31] He played a pivotal role in United's run to the EFL Cup final, starting in the 2–0 victory over Newcastle United on 26 February 2023 to secure the club's first trophy in six years.[8][6] Martínez's season was cut short by a fractured metatarsal sustained on 13 April 2023 during a 2–2 Europa League draw with Sevilla, requiring surgery and sidelining him for approximately nine months until his return in January 2024.[32][33] The 2024–25 season saw Martínez feature prominently before injury, with 20 Premier League appearances, 2 goals, and 1 assist by early February 2025, including contributions to United's FA Cup progress, such as starting in a third-round win over Arsenal on 12 January 2025.[34][35] On 2 February 2025, he suffered an ACL tear in a 2–0 league loss to Crystal Palace, ruling him out for over eight months; he resumed first-team training in late October 2025.[36][7] By November 2025, Martínez had accumulated over 90 appearances for United across all competitions.[1] Positioned primarily as a left-sided centre-back, Martínez has evolved into a regular starter, valued for his aggressive ball-winning and distribution; his combative style has made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford, earning hero's receptions upon returns from injury.[8][37]International career
Youth international career
Martínez began his youth international career with Argentina's under-20 team, earning his first call-up for the 2017 South American U-20 Championship in Ecuador under coach Claudio Úbeda.[38] He featured in four matches during the tournament, primarily as a centre-back, starting several games and accumulating 360 minutes on the pitch as Argentina finished fourth and secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.[38] His performances highlighted his role in defensive organization, contributing to the team's progression through the group stage and into the final hexagonal phase.[38] Following the continental tournament, Martínez was included in Argentina's squad for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea but did not make any appearances. The team reached the round of 16 but was eliminated by Guinea on penalties, marking the end of their campaign without advancing further. Martínez earned four caps at the under-20 level, all without scoring goals. These experiences allowed him to develop key defensive traits, such as composure under pressure and ball-playing ability from the back, though Argentina claimed no youth international titles during his involvement.[38]Senior international career
Martínez made his senior international debut for Argentina on 22 March 2019, coming on as a substitute at halftime in a friendly match against Venezuela, which ended in a 1–3 defeat; he played 45 minutes as a centre-back.[16] Following his breakthrough at Ajax, he earned a call-up to the Argentina squad for the 2021 Copa América, where he made one appearance, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 4–1 group stage victory over Bolivia on 28 June.[39] Argentina went on to win the tournament 1–0 against Brazil in the final, securing their first Copa América title in 28 years and ending a long trophy drought under manager Lionel Scaloni. In 2022, Martínez contributed to Argentina's successful campaign in the inaugural CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima), though he remained an unused substitute in the 3–0 final win over Italy on 1 June at Wembley Stadium.[40] He then played a significant role in Argentina's FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar, making five appearances for a total of 346 minutes, including starts against Mexico (90 minutes) and the Netherlands in the quarter-final (120 minutes), as well as substitute outings against Saudi Arabia (31 minutes), Australia (49 minutes), and Croatia in the semi-final (26 minutes); he was an unused substitute in the 3–3 (4–2 on penalties) final victory over France on 18 December. His performances helped anchor the defense during the tournament, where Argentina conceded just five goals en route to their third World Cup title. Martínez solidified his status as a key defender during the 2024 Copa América in the United States, starting all six matches and playing 528 minutes, including extra time in the semi-final against Canada (106 minutes, 2–0 win) and the final against Colombia (120 minutes, 1–0 win).[9] He scored his first international goal—a header in extra time during the 1–1 (4–2 on penalties) quarter-final victory over Ecuador on 4 July—breaking a deadlock and propelling Argentina to the semi-finals.[41] His defensive partnership provided solidity in the knockout stages, contributing to three clean sheets and Argentina's record-extending 16th Copa América title. Between major tournaments, Martínez featured in several 2022–2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, earning additional caps in 2023 and 2024. By November 2025, he had accumulated 26 senior caps for Argentina, with one goal, despite being sidelined by injury during the 2025 international window; he remained a regular in Scaloni's squad for the ongoing CONMEBOL qualifiers.[16]Playing style and reception
Playing style
Lisandro Martínez is primarily a centre-back known for his positional versatility, capable of playing as a left-back or defensive midfielder when required. His left-footedness makes him particularly effective on the left side of the defense, where he can contribute to overlapping runs or provide width in build-up play. This adaptability stems from his early development, where he evolved from a midfield role in youth setups to a more specialized defensive position.[21][42] During his 2021-22 season at Ajax, Martínez excelled in aggressive tackling, averaging approximately 3 tackles per 90 minutes, and demonstrated strong anticipation in reading the play to intercept passes or cover spaces left by teammates. Despite his 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) height, he won around 66-69% of aerial duels through precise timing, intelligent positioning, and physical strength developed via targeted training. His quick recovery speed allows him to close down opponents rapidly after initial challenges, minimizing vulnerabilities in transitional phases. These attributes enable him to perform effectively in high-pressing systems, where he frequently regains possession in advanced areas.[21][43][42] Early criticisms regarding his height, which initially raised concerns about his suitability as a centre-back, have been overcome through refined positioning and enhanced core strength from dedicated training regimens. Martínez prefers left-sided roles to leverage his natural footedness for progressive actions. In possession-based systems, such as Erik ten Hag's 4-3-3 formation, he thrives by contributing to build-up play, achieving a pass completion rate of around 90% overall and executing line-breaking diagonal or vertical passes under pressure to initiate attacks. This technical proficiency positions him as a key facilitator in transitioning from defense to offense. His pass completion rate has remained around 90% in subsequent seasons at Manchester United.[21][43][42][5]Reception and reputation
Lisandro Martínez has earned the nickname "The Butcher" (or El Carnicero in Spanish) for his tenacious and aggressive style of defending, a moniker that originated during his tenure at Ajax where his hard-tackling approach drew comparisons to a butcher's precision and relentlessness.[44] Following his £57 million transfer to Manchester United in July 2022, manager Erik ten Hag hailed Martínez as a "warrior" with an infectious attitude and fighting spirit, emphasizing how his aggressiveness would energize the squad and earn fan admiration.[45] Martínez's combative presence quickly resonated with supporters, who appreciated his leadership and intensity on the pitch. His standout contributions to Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, including key defensive displays in the group stages and knockout rounds leading to the final, garnered widespread media acclaim for his composure and ball-playing ability under pressure.[46] In recognition of this success, Martínez was part of Argentina's selection as World Team of the Year at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards, the national side's first win in this category.[47] He was also nominated for the 2022-23 Premier League Team of the Season shortlist, highlighting his rapid impact in English football.[48] Despite the praise, Martínez has faced criticism for occasional disciplinary lapses, particularly in 2023 when several robust challenges, such as his clash with Leeds United's Patrick Bamford in February, evaded red cards but ignited debates over his recklessness and the need for better control.[49] His recovery from a recurring metatarsal injury during the 2023-24 season also prompted skepticism about his physical durability, with reports underscoring the prolonged rehabilitation and concerns over repeated setbacks limiting his availability. These concerns were further highlighted by a cruciate ligament injury in February 2025 that sidelined him until his return to full training in October 2025. Following his return to training in October 2025 after a nine-month absence due to the cruciate ligament injury, Martínez has been welcomed back as a key asset, though questions persist about his role in manager Rúben Amorim's preferred back-three formation.[50][7][51]Personal life
Martínez was raised by his father, Raúl Martínez, a former bricklayer, and his mother, Silvina Cabrera, with whom he maintains a close relationship.[52][53] Martínez has been in a relationship with Muri López Benítez since around 2020.[54] The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aurora, on 14 March 2025.[55][56]Career statistics
Club statistics
Martínez began his senior club career with Newell's Old Boys, making a single appearance in the Argentine Primera División during the 2017 season.[4] He then moved to Defensa y Justicia, where he accumulated 58 appearances, 3 goals, and 6 assists across various competitions from 2018 to 2019.[4] At Ajax from 2019 to 2022, Martínez featured in 120 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists, including notable contributions in European competitions.[4] Since joining Manchester United in 2022, he has made 91 appearances, with 3 goals and 3 assists as of November 2025. Following a knee injury, he returned to full training in October 2025 but has yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 season.[4][7] The following table summarizes his cumulative club statistics by club and major competition:| Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newell's Old Boys | Argentine Primera División | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Defensa y Justicia | Argentine Primera División | 46 | 3 | 4 |
| Copa Argentina | 9 | 0 | 2 | |
| Copa Sudamericana | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Defensa Total | 58 | 3 | 6 | |
| Ajax | Eredivisie | 74 | 6 | 5 |
| KNVB Beker | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
| Johan Cruijff Schaal | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| UEFA Champions League | 19 | 0 | 1 | |
| UEFA Europa League | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
| UCL Qualifying | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other Europe | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Ajax Total | 120 | 6 | 6 | |
| Manchester United | Premier League | 58 | 3 | 2 |
| FA Cup | 6 | 0 | 0 | |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Community Shield | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| UEFA Europa League | 18 | 0 | 1 | |
| UEFA Champions League | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Man Utd Total | 91 | 3 | 3 | |
| Career Total | 270 | 12 | 15 |
International statistics
As of November 2025, Lisandro Martínez has earned 37 caps for the Argentina national team, during which he has scored 1 goal.[9] His international appearances are distributed across major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he made 5 appearances, contributing to Argentina's title-winning campaign. For the Copa América, he featured in 6 matches in the 2024 edition, helping secure victory (did not play in 2021 edition). Additionally, he has appeared in 15 World Cup qualifier matches as part of the ongoing 2026 cycle.[9][5] The following table summarizes his appearances by key competitions:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup (2022) | 5 | 0 |
| Copa América (2024) | 6 | 1 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 15 | 0 |
| Other (Friendlies, etc.) | 11 | 0 |
| Total | 37 | 1 |
Honours
Manchester United
- FA Cup: 2023–24[57]
- EFL Cup: 2022–23[57]
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22[57]
- KNVB Cup: 2020–21[57]
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2022[57]
Argentina
- FIFA World Cup: 2022[57]
- Copa América: 2021, 2024[57]
- CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022[57]
